A: The education system is divided into two categories according to the content or training nature: general education and vocational education. As a form of education, general education and vocational education have both differences and connections in their economic functions:

(1) Differences in Economic Functions between General Education and Vocational Education

① The costs and benefits of general education and vocational education are different. General education takes a long time, costs a lot, and its economic benefits are indirect. Vocational education can cultivate professional and technical talents at all levels needed by economic development in a short time with less cost, and its economic benefits are more direct.

② General education and vocational education have different ways to improve economic efficiency. The economic benefits of general education are indirect, while the economic benefits of vocational education are direct. Compared with general education, vocational education is the "matrix" of various types and levels of labor reproduction that directly participate in economic activities. It has short cycle, quick effect and obvious economic benefits, which has a more direct impact on the continuation and development of social economy.

③ General education and vocational education have different contributions to employment growth. General education pays more attention to the inheritance of civilization, academic accomplishment and personality shaping, and does not directly provide the technology needed by market demand. Vocational education, on the other hand, focuses on mastering technology, which changes with the change of market demand for various professional and technical talents. Compared with general education, vocational education has a balanced function in labor employment.

④ Vocational education and general education have different functions in regulating the labor market. The specialty setting and enrollment of general education are generally within the national plan and do not change with the market demand. Vocational education can adjust the supply and demand of talents, cultivate talents with multiple specifications, specialties and types according to market demand, and cultivate junior and intermediate technical talents and labor reserve forces, which plays an important role in adjusting the supply and demand of social labor and alleviating unemployment.

(2) The economic function of vocational education and general education.

① Both general education and vocational education shoulder the task of labor reproduction.

② Both general education and vocational education can promote the adjustment and improvement of economic structure.

③ General education and vocational education have a certain interactive influence, that is, their economic functions can complement each other, but in reality, the functions of general education and vocational education cannot be completely separated. We can learn from each other and influence each other to jointly cultivate all kinds of talents needed for economic development.

(4) General education and vocational education are both means and ways of scientific and technological reproduction.