2013 International Conference on Public Policy (1st ICPP)

2013 International Conference on Public Policy (1st ICPP)

“Public Policy: Theory and Practice of Governance”

June 5-7, 2013, Beijing, China

Call for Papers

Conference Sponsors

Beijing Normal University (BNU), P.R. China

Seoul National University (SNU), Republic of Korea

The University of Hong Kong, P.R. China

The University of Chester, UK

Conference Co-sponsors

The Journal of Public Affairs, The University of Chester, UK

The Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, The University of Hong Kong, China and Charles Darwin University, Australia

Conference Host

School of Management & Academy of Government, Beijing Normal University, P.R. China

Conference Language

English/Mandarin

Proceedings

English

Honorary Chair

Prof. Dong Qi, Beijing Normal University

Conference Chairs

Prof. Tang Renwu, Beijing Normal University

Prof. Phillip Harris, Chester University

Academic Committee Chairs

Prof. Yang Guanqiong, Beijing Normal University

Prof. Carla Millar, University of Twente & Ashridge Business School

Conference Theme

“Public Policy: Theory and Practice of Governance”

In spite of theories abound on public policy and on governance the actual definition of public policy is a challenging endeavour. Some define public policy as a purposive and consistent course of action produced as a response to a perceived problem of a constituency, formulated by a specific political process, and adopted, implemented, and enforced by a public agency. Yet another definition is that public policy is a system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental entity or its representatives.

But public policy does not stand apart from those who are governed. Individuals and groups often attempt to shape public policy through education, advocacy, or mobilization of interest groups. Shaping public policy is obviously different in Western-style democracies than in other forms of government. But it is reasonable to assume that the process always involves efforts by competing interest groups to influence policy makers in their favour and we define competing interest groups very broadly to include not only external stakeholders and NGOs but competing factions and interests within government itself—in short, government is not a monolithic entity but a vibrant arena of conflicting agency and leader demands and positions that are focused and agreed upon through processes that are both public in nature and private.

We run into similar concerns in addressing the topic of governance. The concept of "governance" is not new. However, it means different things to different people and in different socio-political contexts, therefore we have to get our focus right. The actual meaning of the concept depends on the level of governance we are talking about, the goals to be achieved and the approach(s) being followed.

The concept itself has been around in political and academic discourse and analysis for a long time, referring in a generic sense to the task of running a government, or any other appropriate entity for that matter. A dictionary definition of governance often indicates that governance is a synonym for government, or "the act or process of governing, specifically authoritative direction and control". This interpretation specifically focuses on the effectiveness of the executive branch of government.

However, Stoker [2002:17] indicates that in the growing work of government there is a redirection in its use and that governance rather signifies ‘a change in the meaning of government, referring to a new process of governing; or a changed condition of ordered rule; or the new method by which society is governed’ (Rhodes 1996:652-3)

The British Council emphasizes that "governance" is a broader notion than government and goes on to note: "Governance involves interaction between the formal institutions and those in civil society. Governance refers to a process whereby elements in society wield power, authority and influence and enact policies and decisions concerning public life and social upliftment."

Whereas he World Bank defines governance as: "……epitomized by predictable, open and enlightened policy-making, a bureaucracy imbued with a professional ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, and a strong civil society participating in public affairs. Poor governance (on the other hand) is characterized by arbitrary policy making, unaccountable bureaucracies, unenforced or unjust legal systems, the abuse of executive power, a civil society unengaged in public life, and widespread corruption."

In this maze of definitions we would like to encourage submissions that enhance our understanding of public policy and governance in Chinese, Western and non-Western societies and contexts, and that embrace practices not thoroughly explored in the existent academic literature. Our goal is to inform the academic and theoretical understanding of these topics with deep practical examples and to offer insights from academe to the actual practice of government and public policy in different socio-political contexts.

We welcome papers and proposals for identifying and meeting these challenges, and focus both on the Chinese experience and relevant theories and approaches from other geographic areas. Ideally submissions that offer insights for Chinese public policy and that take approaches to governance and public policy from China and offer broader lessons are particularly encouraged. We encourage the submission of all relevant papers on the topic of public policy, theory and practice of governance and we are especially receptive to proposals that focus on the following sub-themes, for which we offer some illustrative but by no means comprehensive topics that can be addressed within the conference tracks:

Sub-themes / conference tracks (not limited)

· Minsheng Development

· Urbanization

· Environmental Governance

· Public Sector Reform & Service Provision

· National Competitiveness

Minsheng development: Public policies and mechanisms for responding to the imperative of Minsheng (民生) may be seen as underdeveloped. The Principle of Mínshēng (民生, Minsheng) is sometimes translated as "the People's welfare/livelihood," "Government for the People". The concept is part of a political philosophy developed by Sun Yat-sen and may be understood as social welfare and as a direct criticism of the inadequacies of both socialism and capitalism. Sun divided livelihood into four areas: food, clothing, housing, and transportation; and planned out how an ideal (Chinese) government could take care of these for its people. Sun died before he was able to fully explain his vision of this Principle and it has been the subject of much debate within both the Chinese Nationalist and Communist Parties, with the latter suggesting that Sun supported socialism. Is there any governance experience that can be shared on Minsheng?

Urbanization: A particular challenge in countries with large populations is growing urbanization and the relationship with public policy and governance. The shift of the population from more rural settings to larger cities strains the public policy process and the practice of governance. How can governments manage the process of urbanization for the overall good of society and deliver increasingly strained public services are examples of issues that can be addressed here.

Environmental Governance: How can governance and public policy deal with conflicting demands over environmental concerns? How can tradeoffs, for example between environmental and economic concerns be understood, discussed and decided upon? What is the role of competing interest groups in these issues?

Public Sector Reform and Provisions of Service: How can these take place while the actual practice of governance is being undertaken? What role do various levels and institutions of government play in these decisions and how do external, non-government actors engage in this process?

National Competitiveness: The resources available to government and its ability to enact and implement public policy is directly and substantially related to economic health and international, national competitiveness. What are the processes and approaches by which public policy can inform and impact on national competitiveness and ease the transition within and across economic sector? How can this be done in a way that is sensitive to environmental concerns and the needs of the broader society? What external groups should be involved in these decisions and what latitude should they be given?

Conference details and information

This international conference will be conducted in English with simultaneous translation into Mandarin.

Beijing Normal University is pleased waive the conference fee for the 1^st author of each paper that is accepted [at Abstract stage}. Further authors and those not submitting papers may register for the conference on ag.bnu.edu.cn.

For further information please see our website ag.bnu.edu.cn or contact us by:

Phone: +86 10 58802118

Fax: +86 10 58802118

E-mail: icpp2013@163.com

Conference Web: ag.bnu.edu.cn

Mail: B501, Main Building, Beijing Normal University, #19 Xinjiekouwai Street,

Haidian District, Beijing, China 100875

All accepted papers will be published in the official Proceedings of the 2013 International Conference on Public Policy by Beijing Normal University Press and will be sent to be indexed by ISI Proceedings. Conference Chairs will recommend high quality conference papers to The Journal of Public Affairs and the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration . However, authors should themselves submit their papers to one of the journals. For further information see below.

Important Dates

Paper title and 1 page abstract: by April 15^th 2013

Decision on acceptance or rejection latest by April 20^th 2013

Full Paper Submission Final Deadline: May 15^th 2013

The conference dates are: June 5-7 2013

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be emailed to you within two

days of receipt of the Abstract. Submission of abstracts is open now.

Acceptance of the Abstract will allow you to register for the conference and

make all arrangements. The BNU will waive the conference fee for the 1^st authorof each accepted Abstract.

The final deadline for the full papers cannot be extended.

Submission

·	All manuscripts should be submitted in English

·	Manuscripts should follow the style guidelines of The Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration. http://www.ppaweb.hku.hk/pages/research-journal

·	Manuscripts are submitted with the understanding that they are original, unpublished works and are not being submitted elsewhere.

·	Authors are required to submit their paper title and a one page abstract by April 15^th 2013 to icpp2013@163.com

·	All manuscripts should be submitted as an email Word attachment to icpp2013@163.com

·	Please indicate both in the email heading and on your paper clearly that your submission is for the 1^st ICPP.

·	Please submit your full paper by May 15^th2013 by email attachment in Word

·	Please include the following information:

o	Title of Paper:

o	Track envisaged:

o	Name of author(s):

o	Affiliation:

o	Discipline/ Area of expertise:

o	Full contact information, including phone, e-mail and mailing address

o	Presenter:

o	Name(s) of attending co-author(s):

Journal Special Issues

■ The Journal of Public Affairs, Special Issue “China Public Policy”.

Please submit to rebecca.coatswith@ashridge.org.uk, indicating both in the email heading and on the paper clearly that the submission is for “JPA China Public Policy”, by the deadline of 15^th October 2013. The Special Issue Call for papers can be found on www.ashridge.org.uk/jpa or on the journal’s website.

■ The Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration , Special Issue

Please submit to ian.thynne@cdu.edu.au indicating both in the email heading and on the paper clearly that the submission is for “Special Issue”, by the deadline of 15^th October 2013. This ICPP Call for Papers serves as Call for Papers for the Special Issue.