Industry observers have said that such enterprises have reached a phase of their development where they need high-end talent to support them, making sure they are at the forefront of industrial development, while they can provide a platform for technical talent to unleash their professional skills.

In July, the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China resolved to improve the modern enterprise system with Chinese characteristics, and support and guide all kinds of enterprises to improve their efficiency of resource utilization, operation and management, and accelerate building more world-class enterprises.

The session also resolved to improve the resilience and safety of industrial and supply chains, especially in fields such as integrated circuits, medical equipment, instrumentation, basic software, industrial software and advanced materials.

Wang Qian, China country manager of professional network LinkedIn, said she believes there will be a better future for Chinese enterprises and returnees with PhD degrees.

"Enterprises may need to create an environment that allows high-end talent to exert their greater ability. Similarly, returnees with excellent education experience may need to adapt to the culture of Chinese enterprises. So both parties need some time to prepare," Wang said.