Policy transfer as a driver of paradigm change? Lessons from a partnership for “eco-city” development in urban China

This article analyses the impacts of an international cooperation project in the field of “eco-city” development in China, using a policy transfer perspective. It explores the relationship between policy transfers and paradigm shifts and discussing the thesis of a “Chinese art” of policy transfers, according to which Chinese policymakers operate a form of cherry-picking that prefers technical recommendations over policy or procedural recommendations and is dictated by “national self-interest.” Based on a longitudinal study of the transfer of a renewal paradigm to a Chinese city, Yangzhou, the study shows that the transfer resulted in significant policy change, going beyond technical aspects. Therefore, the thesis of “Chinese art” is not confirmed. However, a full-fledged paradigm shift was not observable as elements of the old paradigm are still present. Policy transfers can thus result in paradigm shifts, but their institutionalization is likely to be slow and gradual.