ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book aims to develop a new theoretical model to interpret the participation patterns displayed by experts in the process of influencing policy changes in China. It proposes the concept of loss embeddedness is an attempt to establish the theoretical connection between a special structural attribute of the policy network and the behavioural patterns manifested by experts whilst participating in the policy process. The book argues that policy makers may have the advantage of possessing key information on policy-making and the incentive to keep the information undisclosed as they invite experts to provide expertise and relevant information during policy advisory activities. It also proposes the concept of ‘knowledge complexity’ to interpret the limits and advantages held by policy makers and experts in terms of knowledge and information in the process of policy advisory.
