CONFERENCES AND EVENTS The Division of Public Policy at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, together with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) and the School of Architecture at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), successfully organized an academic seminar titled “Fiscal Decentralization, Political Regimes, and Land Development” on December 13, 2024. This event aimed to explore the pivotal role of fiscal decentralization in the realms of regional development, social welfare, public service delivery, land development, and public debt management, particularly within the context of the Greater Bay Area. The seminar featured prominent speakers, including Prof. Christine Wong from the National University of Singapore. In her keynote address, “Reaching the Tipping Point: Public Finance in China Thirty Years after the Tax-Sharing System Reform,” she examined the intricate dynamics of fiscal decentralization over the past three decades, highlighting its implications for land development and institutional frameworks. Prof. Jieming Zhu from Tongji University provided insights into the speculative property bubble in Shanghai, discussing the shifts in state regimes and their impact on real estate markets. Additionally, Prof. Ran Tao analyzed the “China Model of Growth,” emphasizing its significance for policy formulation and regional strategies. Prof. Qiang Ren explored the historical evolution of intergovernmental fiscal relationships in China, while Prof. Weiwen Zhang addressed the role of land financialization in reshaping central-local dynamics. The afternoon sessions showcased emerging scholars who presented innovative research on urban development and regional inequality, employing advanced technologies such as machine learning to propose effective policy solutions. Key topics discussed included the impact of fiscal decentralization on economic growth, government debt risks, innovative revenue structures during land development, urban debt risk management, and sustainable tax policies. The event not only fostered robust academic exchanges but also encouraged collaborative research, with attendees expressing interest in contributing to the Asian Public Policy journal. Concluding remarks highlighted the seminar’s success in creating a unique platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, offering valuable insights into the complex relationships among fiscal decentralization, institutional mechanisms, and land development in contemporary contexts. Fiscal Decentralization, Political Regimes, and Land Development 25
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