Call for Proposals  

Rethinking China’s Governance Capacity: Theory and Practice

May 27, 2023

Fudan University, Shanghai

Cosponsors:

Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP), Fudan University

LSE-Fudan Research Centre for Global Public Policy

Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong

Background

Pressing social and political challenges puts governance structures and public administration systems around the globe in the spotlight. The uniqueness of China’s governance is highlighted in combating crises and uncertain events. The strong and strategic engagement of the central government in developing policy implementation capacity and its ability to assemble significant resources during a relatively short period have been taken as a key in Chinese governance.Due to the influences of unstable global order and pandemic crisis, the pursuit of innovative and adaptative governance theories, models, and mechanisms in response to the new normal has been increasingly important for both researchers and practitioners across countries.

This workshop seeks to increase knowledge about the Chinese governance model from the policy implementation perspective. Papers addressing policy implementation processes and capacity building strategies at different jurisdictional levels (e.g. national, provincial, and municipal levels) are welcome. Papers looking at the central-local nexus in policy implementation would also fit well. There is also room here for contributions that examine particular policy areas (e.g. transportation, infrastructure building, and public health) with a cross-national comparative perspective.

The workshop may cover the following and even broader topics:

The workshop aims to provide insights into understanding the Chinese governance model, especially from the policy implementation perspective. Papers that fit in one or more of the following themes are enthusiastically encouraged:

-The theoretical framework for governance studies

-Institutional design and governance effectiveness

-Central-local relations in China

-Capacity building for local government

-Technological revolution and governance reform

-Comparative studies on governance models

-China’s role in global governance

-Collaborative governance in theory and practice

Organization

The workshop is hosted by Fudan University on its campus on May 27th, 2023.

Proposals should be submitted to (xujingyuan@fudan.edu.cn) by April 30th, 2023. Acceptance decisions will be announced by May 6, 2023. No registration fee will be required.

The host will cover transportation costs, meals, and tea/coffee during the workshop.

Publication Plan

Several outlets for publication will be considered. Papers presented at the workshop will be considered in the first instance for publication in Global Public Policy and Governance (GPPG), in regular issues of the journal, or in possible dedicated symposia or special issues of GPPG.

Edited books will also be considered, notably for the series: Governing China in the 21st Century (Palgrave).

Co-chairs

Prof. XiaoHu Wang, City University of Hong Kong

Dr. Jingyuan Xu, Fudan University