The isomorphism of local development policy: A case study of the formation and transformation of national development zones in post-Mao Jiangsu, China

It is often the case, although it has not been well-documented, that local governments aiming for economic growth tend to formulate and implement very similar, or even identical, policies. This phenomenon is referred to as the 'isomorphism of local development policy', or 'local policy isomorphism'. Five mechanisms are theoretically elaborated in order to explain the phenomenon of local policy isomorphism. The different regions formulate similar development strategies for the following reasons: they face similar pressure from the central government ( or international organisations); they are competing for investments that are highly mobile; they engage in mimetic learning attributable to the uncertainties of development; experienced personnel move from advanced regions to underdeveloped areas; and, professional organisations are involved on a consultancy basis. The case of the formation and transformation of national development zones in the Jiangsu province in post-Mao China is used to illustrate the empirical applications of these five mechanisms.