Innovative (local) social policies in China

The chapter introduces readers to innovation in urban social policy in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and how it manifests in the myriad programmes and policies encompassed by urban social policy. The chapter discuss how policy innovation is defined in the Chinese context, describes the place of cities within the Chinese system of government, and the system of social welfare, security and assistance in China. It highlights how these innovations can have a significant impact on the shape and direction of social policy programmes. Such developments are, however, subject to the limits of state structure, dominant ideological values, the issue of institutionalization, resource allocation, and the role played by local and elite policy actors. Finally, the chapter looks to the future by briefly discussing the impact that both Xi Jinping's leadership and the COVID-19 outbreak have had on innovation in China's urban social policy.