Rural Collective Economy Policy in China: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Trends, Themes, and Operating Mechanisms Using R Studio

Abstract

China's new rural collective economy policy has gained attention over the past two decades for its crucial role in rural revitalisation and sustainable development. However, the practical mechanisms for its implementation have not been thoroughly assessed and well-documented in the literature. Research synthesizing knowledge on the operational mechanisms of this policy is still inadequate. This paper addresses these gaps by conducting a systematic bibliometric analysis of 150 articles from the Web of Science database, using R software to evaluate scientific productivity and operational mechanisms related to China’s new rural collective economy. The results from the bibliometric analysis reveal a significant increase in research productivity, demonstrating high interest in the research field. The results further outline that thematic areas, such as ‘rural collective actions’, ‘collective land shareholdings’, ‘agriculture cooperatives', and social capital, have progressively become research hotspots and critical operating development path mechanisms of the new rural collective economy and sustainable development in China. The new rural collective economy strengthens social networks and participation in community projects, as well as public goods and services within the village collectives. The governance structure bolsters the democratic systems of governing in the market economy. The fairness and transparency in the governing systems of the new rural collective economic structures save time, cost, and labour in the land transaction processes and collective assets. This review highlights the potential of China's new rural collective economy policy to promote sustainable rural development and rural self-governance. It indicates a shift in China’s rural governance, away from direct intervention towards support for local collective actions.