Contesting Entrepreneurialism of Community Governance within (In)Formal Urban Regeneration: A Case of the Eshan Market, Shanghai, China

Abstract

During the socialist planned economy era in China, urban land was allocated to government departments, working units, and educational institutions for free use. Most of the land occupied prime locations in city centers. However, because the fixed land-use restrictions did not align with the dynamics of urban development, these parcels of land remain underutilized. The process highlights the contradiction between entrenched urban development policies and evolving urban demands. The rise of informal regeneration justifies repurposing allocated land, but its success relies on exploring innovative policy support and sustainable financial models. This tendency toward urban entrepreneurialism challenges the government’s commitment to public welfare, and the shifts in its behavioral motivations are particularly evident in community governance practices. Drawing on the regeneration of the Eshan Market as evidence, this study analyzes the motivations and strategies of the community government, which operates in dual capacities as manager and entrepreneur. The analysis explores a feasible pathway for transitioning from informal to formal regeneration within the existing policy framework. Through the lens of local practice, the discussion enriches the theoretical understanding of urban entrepreneurialism and its global applicability. The conclusion offers strategic insights for similar urban regeneration efforts in Global South cities.