About Us

Established in 2022, the Development and Governance Division undertakes research and educational responsibilities in economics, sociology, sustainability, and governance within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. The division oversees one BSSc programme in urban management, MPhil-PhD programme in Urban Studies. Committed to advancing knowledge and nurturing talent, the division contributes to the intellectual growth of Shenzhen, the Greater Bay Area, and China at large.
Situated in Shenzhen, renowned as China's most innovative city, and strategically located in the dynamic Greater Bay Area, the division plays a pivotal role in addressing the intricate social and environmental challenges of this globally significant urban hub. The goal is to cultivate a cadre of young scholars with empirical expertise and analytical acumen, focusing on governance problem-solving, promoting social resilience, and achieving sustainable development objectives. Through rigorous academic research, the division aims to make a positive impact on society.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) has embarked on a journey to introduce nationally recognized and internationally competitive academic programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Research in public policy, urban management, and sustainable development will shape HSS's future endeavors. Leveraging its disciplinary strengths in political science, economics, sociology, geography, and sustainable development, the division fosters a collaborative environment that brings together academics and stakeholders from diverse fields. This interdisciplinary approach ensures the delivery of robust theoretical foundations, methodological rigor, and content-rich training in the social sciences to illuminate research in domestic and international policy-making, urban studies and management, and sustainability theory and practice.

Vision

1.Introduce academic programs in public policy, urban management, and sustainable development, spanning undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels within the next three to five years.

2.Produce research of global standards, influencing domestic policy in areas such as urban management, urbanization, population mobility, local governance, public finance, housing and land systems, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Mission

 
Mission

1. Provide students with theoretical knowledge in public policy formulation and implementation, urban development and governance, sustainable development, and related research areas.

2. Familiarize students with the intricacies of Chinese government and global governance, including their underlying political, economic, and social institutions.

3. Expose students to mainstream social science methodologies, enhancing both qualitative and quantitative research and communication skills.

4. Train individuals for roles in government departments, non-governmental organizations, and various enterprises and institutions in public policy, urban management, and sustainable development.

5. Build an academic team specializing in public policy, urban management, and sustainable development to publish works of international influence and offer guidance to local and central governments in Shenzhen, the Greater Bay Area, and across China.