Research on the multi-factor driving paths of Chinese science-technology talents' career calling: an ability-motivation-opportunity perspective

Science-technology talents career calling is a vital driving force for technological progress and innovation. Enhancing the career calling among such professionals is crucial for building an innovative nation. Grounded in the AMO theory, this study uses the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method to investigate the interactive effects of career competence, role identity, challenge demand, responsible leadership, and collectivism climate on the driving mechanisms of career calling, based on a survey of 231 science & technology talents. The findings are as follows: Five configurations lead to a high career calling among Chinese science & technology talents, which can be summarized into three categories: 'Responsible Leadership - Cognitive Sublimation', 'Competence Support - Challenge Stimulation - Team Collaboration', and 'Role Anchoring - Challenge Driven'. Two configurations result in a low career calling, summarized as 'Insufficient Competence - Role Confusion - Lack of Responsibility'. Based on the Chinese context, this study deepens the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying Science-technology talents' career calling and broadens the perspective of career calling research. This study provides practical insights for optimizing the talent cultivation system and enhancing technological innovation capacity.