Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.4, 2014

Collaborative Innovation in Social Governance in a Complex Network Structural Paradigm

(Abstract)

Fan Ruguo

Society is in essence a complex network system that is open, evolving and adaptable and possesses a coupling function. Social governance is a large-scale and complex systemic project. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of the environment and social affairs, the traditional government-led linear management model cannot provide effective interpretations and responses to complex social issues, and it is thus necessary to introduce a new management model: a complex scientific management paradigm. Complex system theory has an intrinsic correspondence with social governance, and can reveal the inherent occurrence mechanism and rules brought about by the complexity of social governance. It indicates that the more complex a system is, the greater will be its requirements for systemic coordination and the more apparent its collaborative effects. A complex social network system is small-world and scale-free, with a community structure, preferential attachment and a topological structure characterized by the duality of virtuality and actuality. All of these have a direct and profound effect on social governance. To strengthen and innovate social governance, it is necessary to analyze the social system’s complex network structure and characteristics, establish collaborative and innovative mechanisms and institutional arrangements for social governance, and carry out collaborative social governance. Complex system theory provides a new model for research into social governance, and can serve as a reference for future work.