Local universities are important component of China’s higher education system. The scientific and reasonable formulation of development goals and positioning is of great significance for the high-quality development of local universities. It is necessary to consider both macro environment and policies, as well as micro conditions and foundations, Aiming at the target positioning, with the construction of characteristic disciplines and professional chains as the core, the cultivation of top-notch innovative talents as the breakthrough point, serving local area as the starting point, international education as the support, cultural construction as the guide, we should refine and decompose strategic goals, implement action plans, and promote the high-quality development of local universities.