Policy Framework and Mechanism of Life Cycle Management of Industrial Land (LCMIL) in China

The improvement of industrial land use is an important issue for sustainable urbanization and smart growth in urban areas. However, few studies have focused on the policy design of industrial land use due to limited practical cases. A Life Cycle Management of Industrial Land (LCMIL) model consisting of six stages, which are land transfer, land development, land use (development period), land use (mature period), land contract expiration, and land withdrawal, is established based on the LCM theory and practical applications in major cities in China. Shanghai is used as a case study to analyze the implementation and mechanisms of LCMIL. The results show that the policy system involving three level local governments, as well as an evaluation system that includes economic, social, and environmental indicators, could support the implementation of LCMIL and improve the utilization of industrial land. Four key mechanisms were recommended 1) a division into fixed stages and clear departmental responsibility mechanisms in the different land use stages; 2) an evaluation mechanism that is both rigid and flexible; 3) a new land withdrawal mechanism based on environmental assessments; 4) collaborative governance and information sharing based on big data. Our research does not only provide an innovative solution to the challenges of existing industrial land use policy in China but is also a new approach to apply LCM theory to public policy decision-making. The lessons from Shanghai are meaningful for innovation in industrial land use policy in other cities in China and worldwide.