Policy review of talent competition among Chinese cities: Impacts of hukou and declining fertility

China’s cities are increasingly engaged in a “talent war”, driven by urban competitiveness and challenges posed by low fertility rates and the Household Registration System. Talent policies have become central to addressing labor shortages, fostering regional innovation, and supporting sustainable urban development. This study uses the method of meta-research to explore the intricate relationship between talent policies and urban competitiveness, analyzing 58 journal articles sourced from the CNKI database. The analysis identifies three main areas of focus: (1) The evolution and characteristics of talent policies in response to economic reforms and demographic shifts; (2) the effectiveness of these policies in enhancing urban technological innovation and industrial restructuring; and (3) the mechanisms by which talent policies influence population mobility, innovation performance, and urban economic transformation. Findings highlight that cities, leveraging their superior resources and autonomy, successfully attract high-skilled talent but contribute to regional disparities. In contrast, smaller cities face challenges such as limited diversity in policy tools and low market-oriented talent allocation. Additionally, the commodification of talent and the competitive nature of local government policies have introduced inefficiencies in regional innovation systems. To achieve sustainable urban development, the study underscores the need for coordinated talent policy frameworks, emphasizing innovation-driven development, regional collaboration, and tailored approaches to attract, retain, and utilize talent effectively. Addressing systemic issues in the Household Registration System and fostering equitable resource distribution will be critical to balancing regional development and ensuring long-term urban sustainability. This research provides actionable insights into the evolving dynamics of talent policies in China’s rapidly transforming socioeconomic landscape and provides readers with a clearer and three-dimensional understanding framework to understand China’s talent policy.