Study of the Transformation of Industrial Heritage from the Perspective of Holistic Governance

Abstract

In the past few years, with the development of technology and industrial upgrading, a growing number of countries are facing the problem of how to transform their industrial heritages, especially if they are in downtowns. Public administration top managers have a main role in this complex process of purpose and ownership changes. By examining the transformation of industrial heritage in Shanghai – a case-study examined through interviews, chronology of events and content analyses –, this paper explores how the government has used the idea of holistic governance in creating an exhaustive plan and implementing it. The study also explores the government’s attempt to build social consensus regarding that major transition, including the role of communication with citizens.