Abstract
Modern Industry Colleges (MICs) in China represent a transformative initiative aimed at bridging the academic-industry gap through the integration of vocational training, research, and enterprise engagement. This study investigates stakeholders’ assessments of the status, challenges, and development pathways of MICs in three Chinese universities. Employing a survey-correlational design, data were collected from 361 participants, comprising government officials, industry staff, faculty members, and students. Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed a generally favorable evaluation of MICs’ current status, particularly in curriculum and institutional frameworks, though concerns persist in faculty resourcing and talent development. Challenges were most acute in policy alignment, regulatory mechanisms, and employment outcomes, with significant variations in perception across stakeholder categories. Despite these obstacles, stakeholders expressed strong optimism toward future pathways, emphasizing curriculum innovation, policy reform, and enhanced industry collaboration. The study advances strategic recommendations targeting institutional planning, faculty development, curriculum flexibility, and policy support to foster more responsive and sustainable MIC ecosystems. These insights contribute to national discourse on industry-education integration and offer actionable strategies for scaling MICs within China's evolving higher education and workforce development landscape.
