Universal service policy in China (I): Institutional elements and ecosystem

• Formal institutional approach towards universal service implementation is adopted.
• A milestone nation case in the integration of “access” and “applications” is studied.
• Conceptual framework proposed for the analysis and assessment of China׳s rural informatization program.
• Ecosystem model created with a potential of being extended to other economies.

The integration of “access” and “applications” into a single national program, as demonstrated in the Chinese case, once succeeded, may constitute a milestone in the arena of universal service policy and implementation. Despite scholarly consensus on the relevance of institutions, none has been found on a systemic examination of institutional variables in explaining the effectiveness of policy and implementation, let alone knowledge gap in a transitional context. Following historical institutionalism and case method, this and the companion paper bridge the gap by synthesizing a conceptual framework which integrates various institutional dimensions and policy elements underpinning the implementation of universal service initiatives. This paper provides a formal institutional perspective on the analysis and assessment, ex ante or ex post, of universal service policy and projects in China. The conceptual framework may serve as the basis for the analysis and assessment of China׳s rural informatization regime and projects. Meanwhile, the ecosystem model proposed in this paper has a potential of being extended to other countries. This study may collaterally further understanding of China׳s ongoing market reform from a nonmarket perspective.