The practical approaches and internal mechanisms of multi-stakeholder collaborative governance in urban renewal: A case study of Hangzhou

Innovating the multi-stakeholder collaborative governance model is essential for addressing the China's urban renewal and developmental obstacles. It would also assist in promoting high-quality urban development. This study analyzes the practical pathways and internal mechanisms of collaborative governance in urban renewal. With Hangzhou as an example, the study adopts a case study and inductive analysis methods to explore these dynamics. The results indicate that: (1) Hangzhou's urban renewal has developed four governance paths. The first path is building a governance environment through an integrated management system and diverse policy tools. The second path is establishing a governance structure that coordinates the efforts of government, market, residents, and society. The third path is applying governance tools that combine knowledge-based discourse and physical technology. Finally, the fourth path is achieving governance outcomes that balance development, livelihood, and preservation. (2) Multi-stakeholder collaborative governance of urban renewal should encompass an integrated framework of 'synergistic environment-structure-means-outcomes.' This includes an environmental synergy through self-consistent management and coordinated policy innovation, a structural synergy via diversified interest coordination and differentiated power allocation, a means synergy through normative procedures and incentive controls, and a results synergy focused on balancing conflicting goals with universal sharing. These integrated mechanisms are designed to facilitate high-quality urban renewal through coordinated development strategies. Therefore, this study offers four key governance insights. Firstly, it highlights the principles of responsibility-rights coordination and dynamic adjustment to innovate management systems and policy tools. Secondly, it calls for allocating stakeholder power based on roles to build an inclusive urban renewal governance community. Thirdly, it proposes combining regulation and incentives for flexible yet effective governance approaches. Finally, it stresses balancing efficiency and equity to achieve coordinated economic, social, and environmental development. These insights provide valuable lessons for advancing urban renewal governance in the New Era.