Abstract: "Humboldt Spirit" and "Academic Capitalism" are mutually exclusive views on scientific research and industrial participation. However, with the transformation of knowledge production mode, the relationship between them has changed subtly. The study surveyed 39 research universities, general universities and vocational colleges in the eastern region to examine the paradoxical relationship between "Humboldt Spirit" and "academic capitalism", and the results show that there are conflicts between them at the level of ideas and systems, but they are gradually integrating at the level of capabilities. Based on the analysis of the results, the research suggests that college and university need to change views, reconstruct the system and cultivate industry engagement ability. In addition, college and university management departments should design differentiated assessment index systems according to the purposes of different colleges and universities.