Adaptive Local State And People-enriching Industries

This study examines the role of the local state in promoting rural economic growth and improving rural livelihoods.The development paths taken by rural China have generated debates between market-centric and state-centric scholars in the political economy and related fields.While statists argue that states are the engine of rural economic growth,marketists emphasize the importance of markets and market institutions.This study argues that both states and markets and the relationship between the two,are crucial for rural development.In rural China,local states plan and coordinate the development,creating opportunities for the private sector.The study argues that local states make rational choices to deliver welfare for the people,and policies aimed at enriching the poor are enhanced by the constraints and incentives they face.Previous studies have proposed models such as the “Local Developmental State,” “Local Corporate State,”and “Entrepreneurial State” to analyze rural China.In this study,a new model has been proposed:the “Adaptive Local State.” Data for this study was gathered through a month of intensive fieldwork in Jinyun County,Zhejiang Province.This included 22 semi-structured interviews with county,town/township officials,village cadres,and entrepreneurs.Additionally,accessible data from provincial,city,and county government sources was utilized.While the experiences in Jinyun are potentially relevant to rural China,further empirical research is necessary to determine their reference significance to the developing world and other contexts.