Analysing polycentricity: challenges and a roadmap
针对多中心性研究中概念和方法不一致导致结果可比性差的问题，提出一个涵盖关键分析阶段的路线图，并通过中国案例展示其如何帮助做出透明、一致的研究选择。
Discrepancies among building blocks for the conceptualisation of polycentricity and/or inconsistencies among methodological choices for the operationalisation of polycentricity across studies can compromise the comparability and even the credibility of empirical results, posing significant challenges to advance polycentricity research. To address them, we propose a comprehensive roadmap that maps out options in key analytical stages in analyses of polycentricity and offer guidance on making informed and consistent choices on that basis. We also demonstrate the usefulness of the roadmap by facilitating a transparent and structured workflow to unravel conceptual ramifications and scrutinise consistencies of methodological choices through a case study of polycentricity in China.