Exploring stakeholder engagement in urban village renovation projects through a mixed-method approach to social network analysis: a case study of Tianjin

The stakeholder relationship network in urban village renovation projects is highly complex, exhibiting dynamic changes at different stages. Therefore, exploring the characteristics of the interaction networks among stakeholders at each stage and the changes in their role positioning is crucial for achieving collaborative governance involving multiple stakeholders. By employing a mixed research methodology comprising single-case analysis and social network analysis, this study aimed to explore stakeholder networks' characteristics and evolution patterns at each stage of the renovation project. Moreover, it seeks to identify breakthroughs for collaborative governance. The research revealed that the main constraints to stakeholder collaboration in urban village renovation projects are low public participation in the early preparation stage, weak network situation of stakeholders during the demolition and resettlement compensation stage, and significant clique fragmentation during the development and construction implementation stages. This study recommended approaches such as transforming the development model, establishing public status, leveraging the resource-driving advantages of core stakeholders, and establishing a network-sharing platform. Through these means, various stakeholders could be guided to be effectively involved in the entire project construction process, leading to deep cooperation among multiple stakeholders.