Challenges of Regional Policy Agenda Setting: An Empirical Analysis of the Guangdong and Hong Kong Region

Abstract

As regions strive for integrated growth, they face many obstacles, including differential economic capabilities, resource allocation conflicts, different political interests, and different regulatory frameworks and political agendas. By fostering consensus and ensuring that policies meet the unique needs and characteristics of different regions, regional policy agenda setting can bridge the gaps between diverse actors and enhance the effectiveness of regional cooperation. In regions with huge institutional differences, how to promote regional policy outcomes and overcome conceptual and practical challenges to coordinated policy agenda setting in diverse historical, political, and social contexts are worth further investigation.

This research proposes an integrated theoretical framework for analyzing policy agenda setting in a regional setting and understands the determinants of policy agenda setting outcomes, with specific emphases on institutional mechanisms, capacity building, and incentives. Based on a thorough literature review, important external and internal key factors are highlighted to form the theoretical framework. Study 1 analyzes the outcomes of regional policy agenda setting by adopting text mining, topic modeling, and dictionary-based methods. Based on the constructed theoretical framework, Study 2 and Study 3 provide evidence of the antecedents and show the significant pathways that influence the consequences of policy agenda setting using the Guangdong-Hong Kong region as an empirical case analysis.

The results indicate that institutional building and capacity building significantly affect regional policy agenda setting outcomes, while incentive building has a limited effect. At the same time, policy type may matter, as there are differences in the influencing factors that influence the regional policy agenda outcome of environment related and technological innovation-related policies. Even all institutional building variables as well as central government policy priorities have significant positive impacts on the agenda setting of both policy areas, only talent & employment incentive is significantly and positively related to environment-related policy agenda setting. This dissertation contributes to the policy agenda research by proposing a new analytical framework. Also, the past literature has paid little attention to the empirical analysis of cross-regional agenda setting. Hence, this dissertation is an important starting point for deeper investigations into regional policy integration. In addition, practical recommendations are proposed to facilitate collaborative governance initiatives and promote cross-regional, cross-sectoral, and cross-departmental policymaking. The study provides not only theoretical insights but also evidence-based, actionable guidance for policy makers who are interested in regional policymaking and coordination.

Date of Award	2 Sept 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	City University of Hong Kong
Supervisor	Tat Kei Alfred HO (Supervisor)