Policy Mechanisms Research Articles

The Nexus between Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanisms and Economic Development in Sierra Leone for the Period (1993 – 2023)

This research investigated the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy and their impact on economic development in Sierra Leone from 1993 to 2023, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving key macroeconomic goals such as employment generation, balance of payments stability, and maintaining a relatively stable general price level. The study sought to understand how these transmission mechanisms influence economic development in Sierra Leone, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with significant macroeconomic challenges, including high unemployment, price volatility, and elevated inflation rates. Data spanning from 1993 to 2023 were collected from the World Bank Economic Indicators and Bank of Sierra Leone Statistical Bulletin through a purposive sampling approach. The research employed a blend of ex- post facto, longitudinal, descriptive, causal-effect, and correlation research designs. The statistical analyses conducted included the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Granger causality test, ordinary least squares multivariate regression, generalized method of moments, Johansen co-integration, and vector error correction mechanisms. The findings revealed that capital stock (coefficient of 0.13), money supply (0.17), migrant remittances (6.5), and exchange rate (0.08) exhibited significant and positive long-term relationships with Sierra Leone economic development during the observed period. Conversely, the monetary policy rate (0.10) and credit to the private sector (0.30) demonstrated positive yet insignificant effects on economic development. Interest rates (-0.71) were found to have a significant negative relationship, while the inflation rate (-0.03) was negatively related but not significant. The study concludes that monetary policy transmission mechanisms have both short-term and long-term relationships with economic development in Sierra Leone, underscoring the importance of their effective implementation. Monetary policy transmission mechanisms have proven to be effective instruments for fostering economic development in Sierra Leone. It is advisable for both the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Sierra Leone, as the regulatory authorities, to consistently ensure an optimal combination of monetary policy tools. This approach is essential for significantly impacting economic activities, encouraging investments, and ultimately enhancing macroeconomic stability in the country. Furthermore, these regulatory bodies should regularly evaluate the monetary policy rate and the credit available to investors to create a favorable investment and business environment in Sierra Leone. Additionally, effective policies should be implemented to increase remittance inflows into Sierra Leone, directing investments towards productive uses rather than consumption, which may lead to inflationary pressures. The insights gained from this study contribute to the existing literature on economic development and the mechanisms of monetary policy transmission. The dynamic estimation technique, akin to the Generalized Method of Moments, effectively assessed the endogeneity between monetary policy variables and economic development in Sierra Leone.

Russian Business and the Authoritarian Welfare State

Authoritarian regimes widely involve non-state actors in social welfare to increase output legitimacy and regime stability. Despite the volume of corporate social investments, the role of private companies in authoritarian welfare is still poorly understood. This study analyzes the functioning of corporate social programs in the Russian authoritarian welfare state by focusing on corporate grant competitions and corporate volunteering as means of engaging both the local population and the companies’ employees in the regions. Drawing on stakeholder theory, it investigates how companies position themselves as welfare providers and how they legitimize their role with regard to key stakeholders, including state officials, employees, and the local population. The analysis is based on in-depth interviews with company representatives and key stakeholders in four Russian regions: Kemerovo, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, Tiumen′, and Volgograd. In addition, corporate social reports from 2018 and information for beneficiaries were evaluated to identify program guidelines, motivations, and stakeholder assessments. The study argues that companies play an important role as welfare providers through the financial support of social organizations and employee initiatives at the regional and the local level. By providing social investments in geographically defined “territories of presence,” Russian companies pursue a double legitimation strategy, both demonstrating their social responsibility and loyalty toward the regime and strengthening authoritarian welfare provision through private social investments. With a detailed analysis of corporate social programs, this study contributes to our understanding of the specific conditions and mechanisms of social policy in authoritarian regimes and the place that companies occupy within it.

Wetland restoration, household income, and livelihood structure of farmers

BackgroundWetland restoration is an important measure for restoring wetland ecosystems and their ecological benefits, with the goal of restoring their ecological functions and resources. However, wetland restoration affects farmers' incomes and livelihoods. Although existing research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the relationship between wetland restoration and farmers' household incomes, some issues require further consideration. Therefore, here, we aimed to analyse the impact of wetland restoration on farmers' incomes and provide empirical evidence for the coordination mechanism of protection and development in the Poyang Lake Wetland in Jiangxi Province.MethodsBased on 2 years of balanced panel data of 365 households around the Poyang Lake wetland, this study analysed the influence of policies related to wetland restoration and how variables such as the cultivated land area, labour force transfer, and location of nature reserves impact farmers' income. To this end, we used a two-way fixed-effect model to test the robustness by using propensity score matching, and the influence mechanisms of wetland protection policies, such as wetland restoration, wetland ecological compensation, and the Yangtze River fishing ban, on farmers' income interactions were explored.Results and discussionThe results showed that, due to the policy of wetland restoration was implemented a long time ago, the negative impact of the policy on reducing farmers' household income is not significant now. Further, farmers' family livelihood strategies have changed, and choosing other types of agricultural production and off farm employment are currently the main choices for farmers. Wetland restoration has changed their income structures. Additionally, the two wetland restoration policies and banning of fishing have had synergistic effects. The findings of this study are helpful in understanding how wetland restoration around nature reserves influences farmers' household incomes. Further, they can provide policy insights for promoting an increase in income and the optimization of the income structure of communities around lake wetland nature reserves.

Governance Frameworks for Renewable Energy Development: Energy Transition and Public Governance

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate governance frameworks for renewable energy development, with the aim of understanding how effective governance can facilitate the energy transition and contribute to sustainable development. Theoretical Framework: This research draws on key theories in public governance and energy transition, focusing on regulatory mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of renewable energy policies. Concepts from energy security and sustainable development underpin the analysis. Method: A comprehensive literature review and case study analysis were conducted. The study design includes an examination of regulatory and policy mechanisms, stakeholder involvement, and institutional structures across various regions. Data collection was based on case studies from different countries, analyzing the challenges and successes in renewable energy governance. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the critical role of policy coherence, long-term stability, and stakeholder engagement in the successful implementation of governance frameworks. Key challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, grid integration, and public acceptance were identified. The discussion contextualizes these findings within the theoretical framework, offering insights into the relationships between governance and energy policy outcomes. Research Implications: The study provides practical and theoretical implications for policymakers and energy practitioners. It underscores the need for coherent, stable, and inclusive governance frameworks that can address barriers and promote the integration of renewable energy into national energy systems. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering an in-depth analysis of governance frameworks and their role in the renewable energy transition. It highlights best practices and offers valuable lessons for stakeholders engaged in energy governance.

Rethinking the Smart Green City Project in South Korea: A Critical Juncture Approach

Over the past 10 years, the Korean government has declared its intention to achieve carbon neutrality to the international community and strived to create smart cities and green cities as a practice to achieve carbon neutrality. In the same context, the Smart Green City project, which began in earnest at the end of 2020, initially attracted national attention due to the strong will of the administration. However, limitations in its performance were revealed. This study aimed to identify the policy mechanisms that led the Korean government to pursue the Smart Green City project using a critical juncture approach and to derive useful implications for policy selection. A critical juncture framework was applied for in-depth analysis, and a descriptive case study based on critical thinking was conducted. The results confirmed that endogenous and exogenous environmental changes surrounding the government at critical junctures were mechanisms for establishing the Smart Green City project. In addition, the government’s attempt to differentiate itself from the policies of previous governments was confirmed to be a constraint that actually hindered the project’s progress. This study concludes that if a government facing a complex crisis makes hasty policy decisions, it is likely to repeat the policy pattern or institutional path of previous governments. It also argued that in this situation, policy choices that aim to cut a new path may cause the government to choose a wrong path, which may have irreversible consequences.

Ocean literacy research community: co-identifying gaps and priorities to advance the UN Ocean Decade

IntroductionThe overarching goal of the UN Ocean Decade is to “change humanity's relationship with the ocean.” While this may be a challenge, it is, at the same time, a once in a generation opportunity. How can 8 billion people, including those who don't live near coastal areas, be inspired to value and care for the ocean? This is the essence of ocean literacy, and the driver of ocean literacy research (OLR).MethodsIn 2021, we began a research initiative to co-create a global OLR agenda by the developing OLR community, to better understand existing research themes, gaps, future priorities, actions, and impacts of ocean literacy initiatives. To deliver this, a series of virtual workshops – with the first taking place as part of the UN Ocean Decade Laboratories – was complemented by a participatory methodology using digital survey and mapping tools for crowdsourced collaboration.Results and discussionThrough this process, four initial OLR priorities were identified, including measuring ocean literacy, the role of ocean literacy as a policy mechanism, and alignment of OLR with climate change and the blue economy agendas. Finally, a working definition of OLR was developed to further guide OLR priorities for the UN Ocean Decade and beyond.

THE GEOPOLITICAL AWAKENING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

The article analyses the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the geopolitical transformation of the European Union (EU). It examines the key changes in the EU's security, energy and international relations strategy, as well as the development of its strategic autonomy and role in supporting Ukraine. The study is based on the analysis of scientific sources and political articles related to the EU's foreign policy and security mechanisms. A comparative analysis of the EU's decisions on sanctions, energy security and military assistance to Ukraine is used. Expert assessments of the geopolitical situation and economic consequences of the war are also taken into account. The article contributes to understanding the role of the Russian-Ukrainian war as a catalyst for the EU's political and strategic awakening. In particular, it highlights the development of the EU's strategic autonomy in response to its energy dependence on Russia and the growth of defence cooperation between member states. The author also explores how the war has contributed to the consolidation of European identity and the strengthening of the desire for global leadership in the face of current international challenges. The author notes that the Russian-Ukrainian war has accelerated changes in the EU's approach to foreign and security policy. The EU has strengthened its strategic autonomy, increased economic sanctions against Russia and mobilised resources to support Ukraine. At the same time, the war has shown the need to develop energy resources independent of external suppliers and to increase the EU's internal defence capabilities. Ukraine's integration into the European space has become an important strategic direction of the EU's policy. An important aspect has been the strengthening of European defence cooperation, which demonstrates the EU's desire for greater independence in security matters. Ukraine's integration into the European space is becoming one of the key directions of the EU's foreign policy, which may accelerate the process of Ukraine's accession to the Union in the future. The author also draws attention to the fact that the issue of strengthening the EU's defence capabilities affects the problem of the international security system, which today, as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war, is undergoing the greatest transformations since the Second World War.

Can Reverse Mixed-Ownership Reform Promote Green Transformation of Private Enterprises?

The private sector greatly influences China's economy, which is crucial for fostering consistent economic growth. This paper takes A-share listed private enterprises (PEs) from 2009 to 2022 as the research object, uses the time-series regime-switching detection method to detect the changepoints of reverse mixed-ownership reform (RMOR) of PEs, and utilizes the staggered difference-in-difference (DID) model to investigate the impact effect and mechanism of the RMOR policy on the green transformation (GT) of PEs. The results show that the RMOR significantly promotes the GT of PEs. Additional mechanism tests reveal that the RMOR will lower the level of internal governance and impede the GT of PEs. However, it will help alleviate the financing constraints of PEs and promote their GT. The results of the moderation analysis reveal that RMOR has a greater impact on the GT of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) compared to large-scale enterprises. At the industry level, RMOR exerts a more significant influence on capital-and technology-intensive industries than on labor-intensive ones. Additionally, RMOR impacts the GT of PEs in regions with lower government regulatory intensity more than in regions with higher regulatory intensity. The study's findings provide new empirical insights, decision-making tools, and innovative perspectives for the GT of PEs.

Investigating envelope retrofitting potential and resilience of Australian residential buildings − A stock modelling approach

Residential buildings consume around 24 percent of overall electricity use in Australia. Though the energy efficiency of new buildings is progressively increasing, there are around 10 million existing homes most with poor thermal and energy performance. Improving these existing homes are imperative for Australia to reach its target of net zero by 2050. This paper adopts a stock modelling approach using real designs of more than two hundred thousand detached dwellings and apartments submitted for certification in eight states and territories across Australia to investigate envelope retrofitting potential of the housing stock. The performance of the existing housing stock was assessed and the effect of various levels of envelope improvements on energy efficiency and overheating were analysed for current and future climatic conditions. With improvements in 10% of the entire building stock, 3.14 Mt, 3.52 Mt and 7.2 Mt CO2 emission reductions per year respectively were estimated with Rehab, Refurb and Renov improvements. Both detached dwellings and apartments experienced overheating across all the states and territories for the current and future climatic conditions. Though envelope improvement caused some reduction in the overheating, it was not significant. The high average overheating hours in Queensland come from nighttime overheating in the bedrooms, whereas in most other states daytime overheating constitute the majority. Various improvements in the building envelope were effective in reducing daytime overheating reductions rather than nighttime overheating, though the impact was marginal. The results from this study provided guidance on policy and regulatory mechanisms that can be introduced for developing decarbonization pathways for buildings at a national level.

Toward high-integrity forest carbon market of ethnic minority groups in Dak Lak province, Vietnam

Forest carbon markets have demonstrated numerous benefits across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, while also advancing sustainable development goals. This study examines the primary policy mechanisms and conditions related to the development of high-integrity forest carbon markets in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. Utilizing a combination of SWOT analysis and the DPSIR framework, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the opportunities, challenges, driving forces, pressures, potential impacts, and responses associated with developing these markets. The Gold Standard method was also employed to estimate the potential contribution to carbon emission reductions through the new forest planting programs in the province. Data analysis from 202 households and in-depth interviews with fifteen experts revealed that local residents have limited information about the forest carbon market. While forest management officials at various levels are aware of the market, there is a lack of specific guidance, limited participation in training sessions and workshops, and insufficient instructional materials. Dak Lak holds significant potential for carbon emission reductions, with an estimated average forest carbon storage capacity of 7.5 tCO2/ha/year for an afforestation/reforestation (A/R) carbon project. This initiative is projected to contribute approximately $753,972 annually to the province’s GRDP and generate 280 jobs for local communities. However, the technical and financial resources are challenging in the province. The study identifies critical issues and proposes appropriate solutions to support Dak Lak in developing high-integrity forest carbon markets in alignment with the national roadmap, ultimately contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries: Opportunities, challenges and pathways to sustainable energy access

Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries is crucial for advancing sustainable energy access. Microgrids offer a decentralized and resilient solution to energy challenges, particularly in regions with limited grid infrastructure. However, the successful deployment of microgrids requires a nuanced understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and pathways to integration within the unique contexts of developing nations. This study explores the key factors influencing the design and implementation of microgrid policies, including regulatory environments, financial incentives, and technological innovations. It highlights the potential of microgrids to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development. At the same time, it addresses the challenges related to financing, regulatory compliance, and the need for capacity-building in local communities. By analyzing case studies from various developing countries, the study identifies best practices and strategic recommendations for policymakers to create supportive frameworks that encourage the adoption of microgrids. The research underscores the importance of international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and adaptive policy mechanisms that can respond to the evolving needs of the energy sector. Ultimately, the study provides a roadmap for leveraging microgrids as a key component of sustainable energy strategies in developing countries, contributing to broader goals of energy equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

Research on How the Digital Economy Contributes to Achieving A High-Level and Balanced Development of the Elderly Care Service Industry

Abstract China’s aging population has gained significant attention. Population aging implies that the demand for elderly care services will be on the rise. However, China’s aging exhibits a notable characteristic of getting old prior to achieving affluence, which directly constrains the enhancement of the level of elderly care services. The Communist Party of China and the government attach considerable importance to the issue of population aging and pensions. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted the Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Promoting Chinese-Style Modernization, emphasizing that “we should actively respond to population aging and improve the development of elderly care and elderly care industry policy mechanisms.” Regarding the supply of pension services, due to the professional and long-term nature of pension services, the supply cost remains high. The contradiction between the low level of demand and the high cost of supply might lead to the “low-level equilibrium trap” of the elderly service industry. The digital economy has achieved remarkable effects in promoting the elderly care service industry. It has played a vital role in optimizing the allocation of elderly care resources, reducing the cost of elderly care services, and creating a superior elderly care ecosystem. In this context, it holds considerable academic value and practical significance to study the impact of the digital economy on the development of pension service industry, to analyze the digital divide and bridge the path for the development of the pension service industry, and to explore the countermeasures and ideas of the digital economy to facilitate the high-level, balanced, and high-quality development of the pension service industry.

Enacting Fairly or Fearfully? Unpacking the Enactment of Critical Thinking Policies in Chinese Senior High Schools

This study explores the enactment of critical thinking policies in Chinese senior high schools through the lens of Ball et al.’s policy enactment theory and within the broader context of Chinese education reform aimed at enhancing students’ thinking abilities. Employing a case study methodology with diverse data types, the research assessed current school-level practices and the effectiveness of Ball et al.’s framework in capturing interactions among objective contexts, policy actors, and cultural artefacts. Findings indicate that the framework captures these complexities when the policy is actively enacted. In one school, a systematic enactment mechanism facilitated diverse policy roles and external connections, thereby promoting schoolwide critical thinking development; however, another school exhibited fragmented practices due to the lack of key policy roles, despite students’ interest in deeper engagement. Challenges were also identified, including deficiencies in the mid-level education bureau and conflicts between a collective-oriented educational paradigm and the promotion of independent thinking. The study unravelled the nuances of the enactment of critical thinking policies in Chinese senior high schools. Future research could test the framework’s applicability for guiding the construction of policy mechanisms across different settings.

Rapid population response to a hunting ban in a previously overharvested, threatened landbird

AbstractEmpirical data are essential to assess the outcomes of management decisions in the context of adaptive management. We used flyway‐level population indices of a declining game bird to assess population changes after introducing hunting management measures as part of the European Union (EU)‐wide Adaptive Harvest Management mechanism (AHMM). In one flyway, a full hunting ban led to the start of population recovery; numbers increased by 25% in 2 years and the 10‐year population trend improved from “moderate decline” to “stable.” In the other flyway, harvest was only reduced (allegedly by 60% although statistics from key countries were incomplete), and numbers continued to fall (−15% decline). Our study shows positive results of the leading AHMM for a landbird in Europe and provides empirical evidence of the speed of population response and the timeframe needed for change to occur and to be detected. It showcases the successful application of policy mechanisms underpinned by science.

Research on New Spatial Data Infrastructure Supports the Circulation of Geographic Information Data Elements

Abstract. Data is an important factor of production in the digital economy era and an important support for building a new development pattern. As an important part of data resources, geographic information data is also an important new factor of production, which plays a unique role in the construction of digital China and economic and social development. From the perspective of releasing the value of data elements, data infrastructure is a new type of infrastructure that provides integrated data aggregation, processing,circulation, application, operation, and security services for society under the support of network, computing power and other facilities. It is an organic whole covering hardware, software, open source protocols, standards, and mechanism design. Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is a collection of technologies, policies and systems that realize the access and access of spatial data. Through the construction of new spatial data infrastructure (NSDI), it supports the circulation of geographic information data elements,making it an important part of data infrastructure. Firstly, this paper gives the connotation of geographic information data elements circulation. Secondly, it proposed to construct the circulation system of geographic information data elements on the basis of enumerating and summarizing the spatial data infrastructure, in order to better support the construction of digital China and economic and social development. Thirdly, the basic requirements, technical indicators and overall architecture of NSDI are designed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges faced by the circulation of geographic information data elements were summarized, mainly focusing on the aspects of policy mechanisms and security systems. At the end of the paper is a summary and acknowledgments.

Understanding right-wing populists’ anti-abortion politics in Turkey: The symbolic violence of the state

This study investigates how symbolic violence is shaping anti-abortion stances associated with legitimising right-wing populist policies. The prominent questions are as follows: What are the institutional and politico-administrative mechanisms that are impacting anti-abortion politics in terms of material and symbolic violence? How and to what extent does anti-abortion politics influence the interplay between symbolic and material state violence? The study argues that reproduction-centred policies and material and symbolic violence have intensified through anti-abortion politics in the discursive context of the social reproduction crisis in Turkey. It explores the institutional actions and the legitimation mechanisms of anti-abortion policies in relation to the penetration of right-wing populist politics after the authoritarian turn of 2010. This qualitative case study uses critical discourse analysis. It interprets the public speeches of representatives of the government and documentary data concerning the ruling party’s programmes, development plans and relevant legislation. The research provides a gendered perspective on the anti-abortion policies that anchor right-wing populism in terms of the crisis of social reproduction. It also contributes to critical state theory and pre-existing feminist scholarship on right-wing populism.

Job destruction or job creation?: Evidence from carbon emission trading policies

Based on the panel data of 285 cities in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper constructs a theoretical framework to analyze the employment effect of carbon emission trading policy, and quantitatively evaluates the effectiveness, decomposition effect and influence mechanism of carbon emission trading policy on employment based on PSM-DID method. The study shows that the carbon emissions trading policy has a positive impact on the level of urban employment while producing significant environmental governance effects, and that its positive impact on employment in the pilot cities stems from the negative effect of reducing employment destruction rather than from the positive effect of increasing the job-creating effect. Carbon emissions trading policy promotes employment in the pilot cities through structural transformation effects, specifically through the three paths of green technology innovation, energy structure optimization and industrial structure upgrading. At the same time, the impact of the policy on employment varies significantly across cities of different locations, sizes and resource endowments. The study proposes that the construction of the national carbon market should be accelerated, a market-oriented green technology innovation system should be constructed, the optimization of the energy structure and the upgrading of the industrial structure should be promoted, and training in employment skills should be strengthened. The theoretical analysis of this study provides a theoretical basis for the micro-mechanism of carbon emissions trading policy, and the empirical results provide practical reference for the change of employment structure and the high-quality development of employment.

The effect of green credit policy on carbon emissions based on China’s provincial panel data

The attainment of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality” is of utmost significance for the optimal progress of China’s economy. As the main channel for green finance, the carbon reduction effectiveness of green credit policy is worth discussing. This article constructs an analytical framework for green credit, carbon emissions and technological advancement. Based on panel data from 30 provincial administrative regions in China from 2012 to 2021, this article uses the mediation effect model and the Spatial Durbin Model to investigate the transmission mechanism and spatial spillover effect of green credit policies on carbon emissions. According to baseline regression model results, our study revealed that overall, carbon emissions were reduced by green credit. The spatial spillover effect of green credit on carbon emissions points to the interconnectedness of different regions in terms of environmental impact. The significant negative indirect effect indicates that the increase of local green credit also has a significant inhibitory effect on surrounding carbon dioxide emissions. It suggests that efforts to reduce carbon emissions in one area can have positive consequences for neighboring regions as well. Green credit is able to reduce carbon emissions indirectly via technological advancement, according to the mechanism testing mediation effect model. This paper presents policy recommendations for relevant departments.

The Impact of Bilateral Currency Swaps on Outward Foreign Direct Investment

The outbreak of the 2008 international financial crisis caused many countries around the world to face exchange rate fluctuations and currency crises. At the same time, China's central bank creatively began to sign central bank currency swap agreements with other countries to stabilize exchange rates and avoid the risk of fluctuations in the US dollar. This article is based on panel data from 90 countries from 2000 to 2021, and uses empirical analysis methods to explore the impact of currency swap agreements on China's outward foreign direct investment. On this basis, the intermediary effect is applied to analyze the financial market mechanism of currency swap policy. Research has found that currency swap agreements have a significant positive impact on the scale of China's outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Financing constraints are an important influencing mechanism for currency swap agreements to promote China's OFDI. In the context of economic globalization and complex international situations, this study has important reference value for China to further promote deepening cooperation in the financial field between countries and promote the internationalization of the renminbi to facilitate the domestic and international dual circulation.

The impact of a low-carbon transport system policy on total factor carbon emission performance: Evidence from 283 cities in China

Reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector is crucial to achieve “carbon neutrality” and is an important component of a low-carbon policy system. In response to the uncertainty of evaluating current low-carbon transport policies, we provide an in-depth analysis and examination of low-carbon transport system (LCTS) policies implemented in China. Using data from 283 Chinese cities between 2006 and 2020, we provide evidence on the policy effects, potential mechanisms, and heterogeneity of LCTS policies on carbon emission performance. Results showed that LCTS policies significantly improved carbon emission performance in pilot regions. The main ways to achieve this policy's objective were to reduce energy consumption in pilot cities, to promote the development of green technologies, and to implement low-carbon transformation of public transport. Moreover, there was heterogeneity in the policy's effects, with the implementation of a LCTS being more effective in eastern and central regions of China and in larger and more compact cities. By analysing the policy's mechanisms and heterogeneity of effects, this article provides a reference for the formulation and selection of low-carbon transport policies.