The Evolution of China’s Foreign Talent Policy: the Case Study of Beijing

Abstract

AbstractThis paper aims to explore the evolution of China’s foreign talent policy (FTP) and the factors that contribute to those policy changes. Selecting Beijing as a case study, this paper explores Beijing’s FTP and divides it into three periods (1949–1978; 1978–2000; 2000 until now). It argues that at the point when the policy system becomes more institutionalized, more simplified measures are adopted. In particular, this paper applies a three-tier framework to detect the factors contributing to the policy changes as follows: (1) the deregulation of China’s scientific and educational systems, (2) emerging actors in the FTP institutional setting (Zhongguancun Science Park, private think tanks and social groups), and (3) market-oriented reform of the policy tools, e.g., China’s permanent residence system.