Purpose The vocational education-industry connection is crucial for students’ professional competence development and employability. In the past decade, the Chinese government has issued numerous policies in this regard. This study reviews these policies concerning the context. Design/methodology/approach This study screened 19 educational policies specifically focussing on vocational education-industry connection based on Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standards. These policies have been coded, categorised and connected based on thematic analysis and grounded theory. Findings Three typical policy models were developed to illustrate Chinese attempts at vocational education-industry connection, i.e. modern vocational education system reform, municipal industry education federation and in-depth school-enterprise cooperation. The characteristics and specific policy expectations of the three policy models were discussed with regard to the potential benefits and risks. Originality/value The current study reviewed a series of policies on the topic of vocational education-industry connection from a systematic and holistic perspective, and three interconnected policy models were generated. The original findings could be used as an analytical framework for future studies in this field. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited
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