Spatial governance for COVID-19 prevention and control in China's development zones

• Published in: Cities 2022-12, Vol.131, p.104028-104028, Article 104028
• Main Authors: Li, Dongxue, Zhao, Shengbo, Wang, Xingping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: China; Collaborative governance; COVID-19; Development zone; Spatial governance
• ISSN: 0264-2751; 1873-6084; 0264-2751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104028

Mandatory policy networks are an important collaborative governance model for crisis response. To reveal the operation and effectiveness of public sector-led crisis governance at the development zone level, this study draws on collaborative governance theory to develop a theoretical framework that reveals the external constraints, collaborative dynamics, collaborative actions, and collaborative outcomes of crisis governance in development zones. Based on qualitative research methods, this study analyzes pandemic prevention policy documents issued during the pandemic by China's national economic and technological development zones and their localities to reflect the complete process of governance. The findings indicate that a mandatory policy network, guided by a local governance framework, facilitated the rapid achievement of collaboration in development zones in responding to the crisis. Top-down leadership developed over time in the public sector, and the responsiveness and innovation of enterprises and social organizations played an important role in collaborative governance. Wins at each stage of the governance process are necessary for the continuation of collaborative actions and can drive the adaptation of a collaborative approach in development zones. •Mandatory policy networks facilitate rapid crisis response in development zones.•Public sector leadership is key to enabling collaboration under crisis conditions.•Response and innovation from nongovernment sectors are important for collaboration.•Wins at each stage can lead to a virtuous cycle of collaboration.