Hierarchical Dynamic Adaptive Management of Territorial Space: An Analytical Framework Integrating Complex Adaptive System Theory

With the fundamental establishment of China’s territorial spatial planning system featuring the integration of multiple plans, transitioning from static blueprint-centric regulation to dynamic implementation governance against rising uncertainties stands as a core challenge in advancing spatial governance modernization. The current patch-based management suffers from excessive rigidity and insufficient adaptability amid the evolving complexity of territorial systems. To tackle this issue, this paper develops a holistic framework for the hierarchical adaptive dynamic management of territorial space based on Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory. Drawing on the CAS perspective, this study proposes a Five-in-One evaluation criterion as the value benchmark for spatial adjustment, constructs a five-tier hierarchical governance logic aligned with China’s administrative system, and designs differentiated regulatory strategies based on stable and change-prone spatial zoning. This research provides a new paradigm that combines theoretical depth and practical operability to boost the scientificity and implementation effectiveness of territorial spatial planning and helps facilitate the transformation of the territorial spatial governance system toward greater resilience and adaptability.