Policy Experimentation under Pressure in Contemporary China. (25th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heffer, Abbey S.; Schubert, Gunter
• Is Part Of: China quarterly. Number 253(2023)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2023-03-25
• Subjects: policy experimentation -- policy implementation -- local governance -- policy entrepreneur -- foreign direct investment -- top-level design; 关键词: -- 政策试验 -- 政策执行 -- 地方治理 -- 政策企业家 -- 外商直接投资 -- 顶层设计; China -- History -- Periodicals; China -- Periodicals; 951
• DOI: 10.1017/S0305741022001801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-7410

Abstract

Abstract: Many studies put forward the argument that local policy experimentation, a key feature of China's policy process in the Hu Jintao era, has been paralysed by Xi Jinping's (re)centralization of political power – otherwise known as "top-level design." This narrative suggests that local policymakers have become increasingly risk-averse owing to the anti-corruption campaign and are therefore unwilling to experiment. This article, however, argues that local governments are still expected to innovate with new policy solutions and now will be punished if they do not. By introducing the analytical framework of "experimentation under pressure" and drawing on an analysis of over 3, 000 local government regulations and fieldwork data related to foreign investment attraction policies in two localities, Foshan and Ganzhou, the authors highlight new features developing within current experimental policy cycles. Local cadres now have no choice but to experiment as the political risk of shirking the direct command to experiment may be higher than the inherent risk of experimentation itself.