DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE-SCALE URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN CHINA - CASE STUDY OF A WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS IN YANGZHOU

Abstract

This thesis uses regime theory as the organizing framework to investigate whether there is a stable regime in a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project in Yangzhou, China. If so, it examines how the WTE project is structured and implemented and how it can be contrasted with US urban regimes. An in-depth case study was adopted as the methodology. Data were collected using observations, analysis of past and project documents, and interviews with certain stakeholders and then analyzed qualitatively. It was found that first, urban regime in Yangzhou shares three common characteristics with US urban corporate regime, namely, stable, long-term cooperation, and the pursue of infrastructure projects to promote local economic development. Second, there are four key differences in terms of the power structure, mode of project delivery, financing, and the level of public participation. This implies that while regime theory is applicable in China, the structures and contexts are different.