Gradual Institutional Transition of Governance and Planning in Guangzhou-Foshan Urban Integration

Abstract

This thesis combines the theory of gradual institutional change with relevant theories on metropolitan governance development, aiming to establish a theoretical framework for analyzing institutional changes in metropolitan areas. This framework integrates the endogenous characteristics of institutions, the understanding and behavior of actors, and the external environment of institutions, providing a new perspective for analyzing the governance process in metropolitan areas. Through a combination of qualitative interviews, policy document analysis, and secondary data, the study finds that the institutional reforms in the Guangzhou-Foshan integration are influenced not only by external environmental factors but also by the intrinsic ambiguity of institutions and the behavior of actors. The significant contribution of this research lies in redefining the role of institutional ambiguity in governance, revealing that it is not merely an obstacle to governance but also a key driver of institutional change. This study presents the following significant findings and original theoretical contributions: (1) Institutional ambiguity in the governance process brings both challenges and opportunities for reform. (2) The cognition and operational modes of actors not only determine the specific implementation of institutions but also contribute to the gradual evolution of institutions through continuous feedback and adjustment. This conclusion not only deepens the understanding of the institutional change process but also provides valuable references for policymakers and practitioners in their strategic choices within complex governance environments. This research indicates that the design of institutions and the execution by actors jointly play crucial roles in promoting gradual change, illustrating the multidimensionality and complexity of institutional change.