PhD defence by Zhen Lu

Zhen Lu's research studies the changing roles of local governments in influencing the dynamic regional business systems in the transitional heterogeneous Chinese economy. In order to examine the evolving regional business systems, this research:

1. brings the regional state into business systems theory, given that both the varieties of capitalism approach and conventional business systems theory ignore regional differences
2. connects evolutionary perspectives and business systems theory, given that the varieties of capitalism approach and business systems theory have both been criticized for developing a relatively static approach
3. highlights the unique form of decentralization in China which shapes the role of the state and the regional business systems

Research questions

The specific research questions she aims to answer in her comparative study of Zhejiang and Yunan provinces are:

• what are the existing regional business systems in Zhejiang and Yunnan?
• how and why have specific regional business systems and development trajectories been formed and evolved over time in Zhejiang and Yunnan?
• how has the role of local governments evolved in the transitional economy?
• will regional differences and distinctive regional development trajectories in Zhejiang and Yunnan converge or diverge over time?

Doctoral board

Chair

Professor Inge Hutter

Doctoral dissertation supervisors

Professor Bert Helmsing
Dr Jan Fransen

Members of the Full Doctoral Committee

Professor Yang Chunxue, Capital Economics and Trade University
Dr Rachel Xiang Feng, Shanghai Normal University
Professor Jurian Edelenbos, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Professor Peter Knorringa, International Institute of Social Studies
Dr Georgina Gomez, International Institute of Social Studies