2021 Theses Master's

How NGO Benefits their Local Communities: a Stakeholder Analysis and Evaluation of Dayu's Role in the Regeneration Process of Old Residential Compound in Shanghai

Cao, Mengqi

Shifting from a phase of rapid growth in urbanization into a moderate-paced stage, China has faced many complicated problems during the urban regeneration period. To deal with complex urban problems, urban regeneration often requires integrated and coordinated strategies involving a wide range of stakeholders. Hence, a deeper understanding of the stakeholders is an essential step towards sustainable urban regeneration. Besides, many NGOs have emerged to try to provide a smooth communication platform for all parties. Therefore, this thesis would like to explore the interaction between various stakeholders and the role NGO plays in the regeneration process of old residential compounds in Shanghai through case studies. It will include a case study of Hongxian Residential Compound Regeneration Project and rely on interviews and observations to help understand stakeholders in a more in-depth way. The method of stakeholder analysis will be employed to identify, prioritize, analyze the stakeholders and their roles.

The result shows that the government occupies an absolute dominant position in the power structure, while NGO has also been empowered to take a lead. Local residents and other participants have few say during the regeneration process. Meanwhile, NGO would serve as both of a key mediator, and an organizer and provider of community cultural services in the different stages. Therefore, the author calls for the policy support for NGO’s involvement, the empowerment of different stakeholders and the encouragement of public participations in the future.