In the context of the continuous evolution of the new industrial revolution, cultivating a large number of excellent engineers is an effective path to empower China's high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and promote the development of new productive forces. As a key evaluation indicator for measuring the quality of excellent engineer training, core competencies have significant academic value and practical significance when studied systematically. Based on existing research literature, this paper systematically discusses the elements, measurement, and pathways of core competencies for excellent engineers. The research results show that: (1) In terms of concept and theoretical foundation, there is currently no unified definition of core competencies for excellent engineers, and analyses are mainly based on the theory of competence-based education and the iceberg model. (2) In terms of constituent elements, there are two typical models: the Anglo-American system, which emphasizes comprehensive qualities, and the Franco-German system, which emphasizes practical abilities. The current design of core competency standards for excellent engineers in China mainly focuses on learning from the Anglo-American system, relatively neglecting the cultivation of practical abilities. (3) In terms of research methods, qualitative research methods are predominantly used, while quantitative methods are less applied. (4) In terms of influencing factors, the core competencies of excellent engineers are influenced by a mix of multiple stakeholder groups, including learners, educators, universities, governments, enterprises, and society. (5) In terms of policies to promote reform, current research mainly argues from five levels: institutional, organizational, pedagogical, technological, and evaluative.

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