How to Form the Rural Digital Governance Platform—Under the Framework of Mixed-Scanning–Multiple Streams—Based on an Empirical Investigation of the Platform of “JuHaoban” in Julu County, Hebei Province

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The topic is interesting. The structure of the paper is not satisfying. After theoretical background, methodological section seems to be not explicitly mentioned. Harmonising literature review and empirical section. Discussion and conclusion should refer to implications. This section is not satisfying at this stage.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Professional Proofreading in English is necessary

Author Response

Reply to the review expert

Dear Expert,Hello.

Thank you very much for your review of our manuscript. Your suggestions are very helpful. We have made corresponding revisions based on your suggestions, mainly including the following key points of modification:

1、The structure of the paper is not satisfying. After theoretical background, methodological section seems to be not explicitly mentioned.

We have added the section "2.1 Research Methods" and made relevant supplements in 5.1 as well.

2.1 Research Methodology

The research methods of this paper mainly include: First, theoretical construction. In order to better explain the generation process of the rural digital governance platform theoretically, this paper combines the specific case of the "Juhao Bu" digital governance platform in Jucheng County and the relevant research results of policy process, and con-structs a "comprehensive perspective - multiple streams" theory. Second, data collection, in-depth interviews and participant observation. Actual usage data were collected in the "Juhao Bu" digital governance platform (mainly referring to the "Juhao Bu" APP), in-cluding policy texts and usage process data, etc. In Jucheng County, in-depth interviews and participant observation were conducted with the users of the "Juhao Bu" APP to ob-tain their usage opinions. The specific process is further introduced in the case back-ground later. Third, grounded analysis. Grounded analysis was conducted on the texts and data obtained from data collection and in-depth interviews to summarize the key events "preparation - emergence".

 

The data coding materials for "Brewing - Emerging" of focal events are derived from: the records of interviews with the masses during the policy implementation process; the collected materials through channels such as online public opinion and letters and visits. The main data coding encompasses: (1) The records of interviews with the masses during the policy implementation process: ① The indifferent attitude of the masses towards the governance system. ② The dissatisfaction of the masses with policy formulation, execu-tion, and other aspects. ③ Problems such as prolonged business processing cycles and inefficient business handling. (2) The collected materials through channels such as online public opinion and letters and visits: ① The masses expressing dissatisfaction through online channels, letters and visits, etc. ② Public opinion focusing on the problems during the policy implementation process. ③ The attention and response of decision-makers to the problem flow. Through the analysis of the data coding materials, it can be discovered that: (1) The indifferent attitude of the masses towards the governance system is closely related to the problems during the policy implementation process and is the main mani-festation in the brewing stage. (2) Problems such as prolonged business processing cycles and inefficient business handling are the main causes for the brewing of the dissatisfac-tion of the masses. (3) Online public opinion, letters and visits, etc. are the main channels for the dissatisfaction of the masses to surface and play a crucial role in forming the problem flow for decision-makers. To sum up, through grounded theory interpretation, we can clearly observe how the "brewing - surfacing" process is formed in the policy process of establishing a digital governance platform in Julu County. This process reveals the problems existing in the policy implementation process and provides beneficial in-spirations for policy improvement and optimization.

2、Harmonising literature review and empirical section.

We have made amendments to this. We have separated the literature review section from the introduction. Corresponding amendments have been made in the subsequent theoretical construction and case analysis sections. Please refer to the red-lettered contents in the revised manuscript for details.

3、Discussion and conclusion should refer to implications. This section is not satisfying at this stage.

We have separated the conclusion and the discussion into two parts. In the conclusion, we have added suggestions that are of reference value for practice.

The above conclusions have certain reference value for other regions as well, mainly reflected in the following three aspects:

Firstly, they provide reference for policy-making in other regions. The characteristic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process offer new ideas for policy-making in other regions. For instance, emphasizing "decision reduction - implementation consulta-tion" during the policy-making process can reduce resistance in policy implementation and improve its efficiency; the role of policy entrepreneurs in the policy-making process can enhance policy innovation ability and execution capacity; the diverse generation methods of problem flows provide more ways for other regions to discover and solve problems during policy-making.

Secondly, they offer reference for policy evaluation in other regions. The character-istic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process provide beneficial references for policy evaluation in other regions. For example, focusing on "decision reduction - im-plementation consultation" during policy evaluation can help assess the effectiveness of policy implementation; the role of policy entrepreneurs in the policy-making process can be evaluated for assessing policy innovation ability and execution capacity; the diverse generation methods of problem flows can help assess the effectiveness of policies in re-sponding to emergencies and long-term issues.

Thirdly, they provide inspirations for policy optimization in other regions. The characteristic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process provide inspirations for policy optimization in other regions. For instance, in the process of policy optimiza-tion, we can draw on the "central preference" mechanism in China's policy-making process to improve the consistency and coordination of policy implementation; in policy optimization, focusing on the role of policy entrepreneurs can enhance policy innovation ability and execution capacity; in policy optimization, drawing on the diverse generation methods of problem flows in China can improve the ability of policies to respond to emergencies and long-term issues.

In conclusion, the characteristic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process have reference significance for other regions. During the process of borrowing from China, other regions should, based on their own actual situations, combine the success-ful experiences in China's policy-making process, and continuously optimize the mechanisms for policy-making, evaluation and optimization to maximize policy goals. At the same time, China should also continue to deepen policy theoretical research and provide more beneficial policy suggestions and practical experiences for other regions.

 

The text was revised in the native language to ensure it was error-free.

 

Salute !

All authors

2025-02-26

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear editor and author,

I have completed the review of the manuscript entitled "how to form the rural digital governance platform under the framework of mixed scanning – multiple streams -- Based on the empirical investigation of the platform of" juhaoban "in Julu County Hebei Province". This paper takes the policy process promoted by the "juhaoban" platform as a case, combines theory with practice, and constructs a "hybrid scan multi-source flow" framework.

Overall evaluation: the manuscript is reasonably structured and has made significant contributions to rural development and digital economy. This study is reasonable in methodology, with a strong analytical framework and clear results. Using the method of literature analysis and case study, this paper effectively measures the impact of digital platform on rural digital governance. Given that the world is promoting the digital transformation and digital governance of agriculture and rural development, the research results are relevant and timely.

Main comments:

• Although the study provides a thorough case study, it can benefit from a clearer theoretical framework. The author can consider combining the existing theories of digital transformation, rural development and economic geography to provide a deeper understanding of the process that is playing a role. This will enhance the academic contribution of the paper and make it applicable to the environment outside China. For example, the author can refer to harnessing digital technologies for rural industrial integration: a path to sustainable growth, the impact mechanism of digital rural construction on land use efficiency: evidence from 255 cities in China, and so on.
• Rigorous method: the use of a single case study is commendable. However, a more detailed explanation of the selection of cases and their case analysis process will help this document. In addition, the refining process of the model (Brewing - emerging "of focal events) should be explained according to the grounded theory of case studies. Please supplement the grounded theory and data coding materials.
• Data integrity: the article lacks the detailed introduction of "gather and do well". Please add the detailed information about this digital platform after line 274. Including its development time, functions, functions and user groups.
• Research outlook: the article lacks explanation of the limitations of the case study. In fact, this article is a single case study article, which has certain limitations. The author is suggested to add limitations at the end.

Author Response

Reply to the review expert

Dear Expert,Hello.

Thank you very much for your review of our manuscript. Your suggestions are very helpful. We have made corresponding revisions based on your suggestions, mainly including the following key points of modification:

1、Main comments: Although the study provides a thorough case study, it can benefit from a clearer theoretical framework. The author can consider combining the existing theories of digital transformation, rural development and economic geography to provide a deeper understanding of the process that is playing a role. This will enhance the academic contribution of the paper and make it applicable to the environment outside China. For example, the author can refer to harnessing digital technologies for rural industrial integration: a path to sustainable growth, the impact mechanism of digital rural construction on land use efficiency: evidence from 255 cities in China, and so on.

We have made the following modifications:

In rural governance, from the perspective of economic geography theory, the con-struction of digital governance platforms has a close relationship with rural digital transformation and rural development. Digital governance platforms contribute to op-timizing resource allocation. Through collecting and analyzing various types of data in rural areas, digital governance platforms can provide decision-making bases for gov-ernments, enterprises, and farmers, realizing the rational allocation of resources. [30]For example, in the field of agricultural production, digital governance platforms can moni-tor the growth conditions of crops and meteorological changes in real time, offering sci-entific planting guidance for farmers and enhancing agricultural production efficiency. Secondly, digital governance platforms are conducive to improving the level of rural governance. By establishing an information sharing platform, digital governance plat-forms can facilitate communication and collaboration among governments, enterprises, and farmers, enhancing the transparency and fairness of rural governance. Meanwhile, digital governance platforms can also achieve intelligent rural governance. [31]For in-stance, by using big data analysis to predict rural development trends, they can provide strong support for government decision-making. [32]Thirdly, digital governance plat-forms help promote rural industrial development. Digital governance platforms can of-fer all-round services such as market information, technical support, and financial ser-vices for rural industries, facilitating the transformation and upgrading of rural indus-tries. For instance, through digital governance platforms, agricultural products can be sold online, broadening sales channels and increasing farmers' income. Additionally, digital governance platforms are beneficial for improving rural infrastructure. By inte-grating various resources, digital governance platforms can promote the construction of rural infrastructure such as roads, water conservancy, and electricity, providing a pow-erful guarantee for rural development.[33]

2、Rigorous method: the use of a single case study is commendable. However, a more detailed explanation of the selection of cases and their case analysis process will help this document. In addition, the refining process of the model (Brewing - emerging "of focal events) should be explained according to the grounded theory of case studies. Please supplement the grounded theory and data coding materials.

We have added the following content:

The data coding materials for "Brewing - Emerging" of focal events are derived from: the records of interviews with the masses during the policy implementation process; the collected materials through channels such as online public opinion and letters and visits. The main data coding encompasses: (1) The records of interviews with the masses during the policy implementation process: ① The indifferent attitude of the masses towards the governance system. ② The dissatisfaction of the masses with policy formulation, execu-tion, and other aspects. ③ Problems such as prolonged business processing cycles and inefficient business handling. (2) The collected materials through channels such as online public opinion and letters and visits: ① The masses expressing dissatisfaction through online channels, letters and visits, etc. ② Public opinion focusing on the problems during the policy implementation process. ③ The attention and response of decision-makers to the problem flow. Through the analysis of the data coding materials, it can be discovered that: (1) The indifferent attitude of the masses towards the governance system is closely related to the problems during the policy implementation process and is the main mani-festation in the brewing stage. (2) Problems such as prolonged business processing cycles and inefficient business handling are the main causes for the brewing of the dissatisfac-tion of the masses. (3) Online public opinion, letters and visits, etc. are the main channels for the dissatisfaction of the masses to surface and play a crucial role in forming the problem flow for decision-makers. To sum up, through grounded theory interpretation, we can clearly observe how the "brewing - surfacing" process is formed in the policy process of establishing a digital governance platform in Julu County. This process reveals the problems existing in the policy implementation process and provides beneficial in-spirations for policy improvement and optimization.

3、Data integrity: the article lacks the detailed introduction of "gather and do well". Please add the detailed information about this digital platform after line 274. Including its development time, functions, functions and user groups.

We have added the following content:

The "Juhao Bu" digital governance platform in Julu County was initiated in May 2020. It is an online comprehensive service management platform with functions such as event reporting, handling, and feedback. Its main users include the public, grid workers, and government departments. Its application scope covers all villages and communities in the county. The start time: The platform was completed and began operation in May 2020. The functions of "Juhao Bu": The platform sets up a "five-step workflow" process, including event reporting, classification acceptance, response designation, department handling, and result feedback. In addition, it has developed a series of functions such as immediate handling, help handling, convenient payment, Juhao Bu learning, and imme-diate supervision, covering various application scenarios such as party building, daily payment, information inquiry, and problem feedback, achieving one-stop service on a single platform. The users of "Juhao Bu" mainly include (1) the public. The public can log in to the "Juhao Bu" platform by scanning a QR code to reflect various demands and di-rectly upload them to the county dispatch and command center, achieving 24-hour un-interrupted complaint handling. (2) Grid workers. Grid workers actively identify prob-lem hazards and understand public demands in the streets, alleys, and fields through the "immediate handling" application module and report them through one-click opera-tion to achieve closed-loop handling. (3) Government departments. Government de-partments receive, handle, and feedback public demands through the platform. At the same time, the secondary management platform of the town submits the reported in-formation for preliminary screening and classification. For those that cannot be resolved, they are submitted to the county comprehensive dispatch center, which promptly trans-fers them to the designated department for handling according to the responsibility list. The application scope of "Juhao Bu": The application scope of the "Juhao Bu" platform covers all villages and communities in Julu County, achieving full-area coverage of grid management. Through the "Juhao Bu" platform, Julu County has explored digital em-powerment of grassroots governance and promoted the improvement of service quality for the public and the efficiency of work implementation. [50]

4、Research outlook: the article lacks explanation of the limitations of the case study. In fact, this article is a single case study article, which has certain limitations. The author is suggested to add limitations at the end.

We add research prospects as follows:

Research outlook

This paper conducts an empirical analysis solely on the single case of "Juhao Ban", presenting certain limitations. Particularly from the practical requirements for the sustainable development of rural governance, there exist limitations in both theoretical construction and practical countermeasures in the following two aspects: On one hand, limitations are evident in the theoretical construction of this paper. Firstly, the research on the "Juhao Ban" case is primarily based on its existing governance model and practical experiences, lacking in-depth excavation and systematic organization of the theory of sustainable rural governance. This might result in an incomplete comprehension of the issues related to sustainable rural governance, making it challenging to reveal the intrinsic laws and essential characteristics. Secondly, during the process of theoretical construction in this paper, the interpretation of the "Juhao Ban" case may possess a certain degree of subjectivity, failing to fully take into account other possible theoretical explanations and viewpoints, thereby restricting the objectivity and comprehensiveness of the research. On the other hand, limitations are also present in the practical countermeasures of this paper. Firstly, the practical countermeasures proposed herein are mainly targeted at the specific case of "Juhao Ban", lacking reference and promotion to other rural governance models. This could lead to a limited scope of application of the practical countermeasures and make it difficult to be promoted and applied in other rural areas. Secondly, in the process of formulating the practical countermeasures, this paper might overly rely on the successful experience of "Juhao Ban", neglecting the problems and deficiencies existing in other rural governance models, thereby reducing the pertinence and effectiveness of the practical countermeasures. To overcome the aforementioned limitations, future related research should be carried out in the following manners:

(1) Thoroughly explore the theory of sustainable rural governance. In terms of theoretical construction, efforts should be made to strengthen the systematic organization and research of the theory of sustainable rural governance, draw upon relevant research achievements at home and abroad, and form a relatively complete theoretical system of sustainable rural governance.

(2) Expand the research scope and enhance the representativeness of the research objects. In terms of empirical analysis, representative cases of rural governance should be selected, and in-depth analyses should be conducted from multiple perspectives and levels to improve the universality and credibility of the research conclusions.

(3) Pay attention to the pertinence and operability of practical countermeasures. In terms of practical countermeasures, the actual circumstances of different rural areas should be fully considered, successful experiences should be drawn upon, and targeted practical countermeasures should be proposed in response to existing problems and deficiencies.

(4) Strengthen interdisciplinary research and promote the combination of theory and practice. In terms of research methods, interdisciplinary research should be intensified, and research results and methods from other disciplines should be drawn upon to enhance the scientificity and rigor of the research.

(5) Expand the research perspective and focus on key issues in sustainable rural governance. In terms of research content, key issues in sustainable rural governance, such as the rural governance system, governance capacity, and governance mechanism, should be focused on to provide beneficial references and inspirations for the sustainable development of rural governance.

In conclusion, the empirical analysis of the "Juhao Ban" case in this paper has certain limitations. To better promote the sustainable development of rural governance, continuous exploration and innovation are needed in theoretical construction and practical countermeasures, with the aim of providing robust support for the sustainable development of rural governance in China.

Salute !

All authors

2025-02-24

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Title: How to Form the Rural Digital Governance Platform under the Framework of Mixed-scanning–Multiple streams -- Based on  the Empirical investigation of the Platform of "JuHaoban" in Julu County Hebei Province

Bei Zhang 1, Jiaming Yin 2,3, , Pengxiang Zhang2,3 and Bangfan Liu

 

-        This paper correspond for scope of journal.

-        The title corresponds to the content of the paper. 

-        This study represents significant contribution for formation digital platform directed to development of rural development, on the base the modernization of rural governance, industrial prosperity, public service optimization, talent return and cultural inheritance and innovation, and provide a strong guarantee for the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. The improved knowledge and recommendations offer significant policy implications for the development of rural digital governance platforms.

-        This study represents significant contribution how to construct the digital  platform and developing he guidance of the “digital village” strategy, digital platforms serve as crucial vehicles for the transformation of rural digital governance, which is important for theory and practices, on  the base of "JuHaoban" platform, which exemplifies an "up-and-down" dynamic primarily influenced by political streams.

-        The results of study indicate that the problem stream can be generated through both active scanning and passive response mechanisms, which can operate concurrently. Decision-makers at various levels function as policy entrepreneurs, leading the policy community, and the policy window can open either opportunistically or continuously, driven by these decision- makers, which provides robust explanatory power regarding local policy innovation processes within central-local interactions.

-        The aim of this study aims to explore the formation process of the rural digital governance platform using the multiple streams framework, combined with specific case studies, and analyze the interaction logic between central and local decision-makers in the policy-making process of rural digital governance.

-        The main question of paper addressed to estimate significance of the rural digital governance platform, elucidate its functions from both theoretical and practical perspectives, and analyze the tensions arising from embedding the platform in governance practices along with potential mitigation paths.

-        The aim of research  is  presented .The aim of research should be pointed out at the end of chapter of Introduction as particular paragraph.  

-        Key words are appropriately chosen!

-        The research methodology was not presented.

-        Results are clearly presented. Tables, figures, pictures are clear.

-        Conclusions are written together with Discussion! It is necessary to separate the chapter's conclusion from the Discussion.

-        Manuscript is acceptable after minor corrections.

 

Suggestion .

Introduction should be shorter and adecvate volume for this paper is one to one and half pages, according to rule of scientific methodology for writing scientific paper (Introduction should be one tenth of the volume of the paper).

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Reply to the review expert

Dear Expert, Hello.

Thank you very much for your review of our manuscript. Your suggestions are very helpful. We have made corresponding revisions based on your suggestions, mainly including the following key points of modification:

1、The aim of research  is  presented .The aim of research should be pointed out at the end of chapter of Introduction as particular paragraph.

As a result, the aim of this study aims to explore the formation process of the rural digital governance platform using the multiple streams framework, combined with spe-cific case studies, and analyze the interaction logic between central and local deci-sion-makers in the policy-making process of rural digital governance.

2、The research methodology was not presented.

We made the following supplementary comments on the research methods:

2.1 Research Methodology

The research methods of this paper mainly include: First, theoretical construction. In order to better explain the generation process of the rural digital governance platform theoretically, this paper combines the specific case of the "Juhao Bu" digital governance platform in Jucheng County and the relevant research results of policy process, and con-structs a "comprehensive perspective - multiple streams" theory. Second, data collection, in-depth interviews and participant observation. Actual usage data were collected in the "Juhao Bu" digital governance platform (mainly referring to the "Juhao Bu" APP), in-cluding policy texts and usage process data, etc. In Jucheng County, in-depth interviews and participant observation were conducted with the users of the "Juhao Bu" APP to ob-tain their usage opinions. The specific process is further introduced in the case back-ground later. Third, grounded analysis. Grounded analysis was conducted on the texts and data obtained from data collection and in-depth interviews to summarize the key events "preparation - emergence".

The data coding materials for "Brewing - Emerging" of focal events are derived from: the records of interviews with the masses during the policy implementation process; the collected materials through channels such as online public opinion and letters and visits. The main data coding encompasses: (1) The records of interviews with the masses during the policy implementation process: ① The indifferent attitude of the masses towards the governance system. ② The dissatisfaction of the masses with policy formulation, execu-tion, and other aspects. ③ Problems such as prolonged business processing cycles and inefficient business handling. (2) The collected materials through channels such as online public opinion and letters and visits: ① The masses expressing dissatisfaction through online channels, letters and visits, etc. ② Public opinion focusing on the problems during the policy implementation process. ③ The attention and response of decision-makers to the problem flow. Through the analysis of the data coding materials, it can be discovered that: (1) The indifferent attitude of the masses towards the governance system is closely related to the problems during the policy implementation process and is the main mani-festation in the brewing stage. (2) Problems such as prolonged business processing cycles and inefficient business handling are the main causes for the brewing of the dissatisfac-tion of the masses. (3) Online public opinion, letters and visits, etc. are the main channels for the dissatisfaction of the masses to surface and play a crucial role in forming the problem flow for decision-makers. To sum up, through grounded theory interpretation, we can clearly observe how the "brewing - surfacing" process is formed in the policy process of establishing a digital governance platform in Julu County. This process reveals the problems existing in the policy implementation process and provides beneficial in-spirations for policy improvement and optimization.

3、Conclusions are written together with Discussion! It is necessary to separate the chapter's conclusion from the Discussion.

We have written the research conclusions separately from the discussion and revised them accordingly. See related content in the revised manuscript.

4、Introduction should be shorter and adecvate volume for this paper is one to one and half pages, according to rule of scientific methodology for writing scientific paper (Introduction should be one tenth of the volume of the paper).

We have revised the introduction to list the relevant literature review as a separate part. See related content in the revised manuscript.

Salute !

All authors

2025-02-24

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for giving me the oportunity to review this article. This are my observations

1. In the abstract provide more explicit mention of methods you used and state the main finding upfront
2. Literature review -Some references appear mostly from Chinese sources (which is reasonable for a China-based study). However, referencing recent English-language studies on digital governance or e-government—especially for theoretical grounding—could enhance the paper’s international academic connection.
3. While the study mentions in-depth interviews and participant observation, more detail on sampling procedures (e.g., how were interviewees chosen, how many total interviews were conducted) and analysis methods (e.g., coding strategy, thematic analysis steps) would strengthen methodological transparency.
4. Providing brief quotations is good, but specifying how these quotes were selected to represent broader patterns could further validate the findings.
5. The conclusion would be more powerful if it drew clear practical implications for other regions. 

Author Response

Reply to the review expert

Dear Expert, Hello.

Thank you very much for your review of our manuscript. Your suggestions are very helpful. We have made corresponding revisions based on your suggestions, mainly including the following key points of modification:

1、Literature review -Some references appear mostly from Chinese sources (which is reasonable for a China-based study). However, referencing recent English-language studies on digital governance or e-government—especially for theoretical grounding—could enhance the paper’s international academic connection.

 We have made the following modifications:

In rural governance, from the perspective of economic geography theory, the construction of digital governance platforms has a close relationship with rural digital transformation and rural development. Digital governance platforms contribute to optimizing resource allocation. Through collecting and analyzing various types of data in rural areas, digital governance platforms can provide decision-making bases for governments, enterprises, and farmers, realizing the rational allocation of resources. [30]For example, in the field of agricultural production, digital governance platforms can monitor the growth conditions of crops and meteorological changes in real time, offering scientific planting guidance for farmers and enhancing agricultural production efficiency. Secondly, digital governance platforms are conducive to improving the level of rural governance. By establishing an information sharing platform, digital governance plat-forms can facilitate communication and collaboration among governments, enterprises, and farmers, enhancing the transparency and fairness of rural governance. Meanwhile, digital governance platforms can also achieve intelligent rural governance. [31]For in-stance, by using big data analysis to predict rural development trends, they can provide strong support for government decision-making. [32]Thirdly, digital governance plat-forms help promote rural industrial development. Digital governance platforms can of-fer all-round services such as market information, technical support, and financial ser-vices for rural industries, facilitating the transformation and upgrading of rural indus-tries. For instance, through digital governance platforms, agricultural products can be sold online, broadening sales channels and increasing farmers' income. Additionally, digital governance platforms are beneficial for improving rural infrastructure. By inte-grating various resources, digital governance platforms can promote the construction of rural infrastructure such as roads, water conservancy, and electricity, providing a pow-erful guarantee for rural development.[33]

2、While the study mentions in-depth interviews and participant observation, more detail on sampling procedures (e.g., how were interviewees chosen, how many total interviews were conducted) and analysis methods (e.g., coding strategy, thematic analysis steps) would strengthen methodological transparency. Providing brief quotations is good, but specifying how these quotes were selected to represent broader patterns could further validate the findings.

 We have added the following content:

The "Juhao Bu" digital governance platform in Julu County was initiated in May 2020. It is an online comprehensive service management platform with functions such as event reporting, handling, and feedback. Its main users include the public, grid workers, and government departments. Its application scope covers all villages and communities in the county. The start time: The platform was completed and began operation in May 2020. The functions of "Juhao Bu": The platform sets up a "five-step workflow" process, including event reporting, classification acceptance, response designation, department handling, and result feedback. In addition, it has developed a series of functions such as immediate handling, help handling, convenient payment, Juhao Bu learning, and imme-diate supervision, covering various application scenarios such as party building, daily payment, information inquiry, and problem feedback, achieving one-stop service on a single platform. The users of "Juhao Bu" mainly include (1) the public. The public can log in to the "Juhao Bu" platform by scanning a QR code to reflect various demands and di-rectly upload them to the county dispatch and command center, achieving 24-hour un-interrupted complaint handling. (2) Grid workers. Grid workers actively identify prob-lem hazards and understand public demands in the streets, alleys, and fields through the "immediate handling" application module and report them through one-click opera-tion to achieve closed-loop handling. (3) Government departments. Government de-partments receive, handle, and feedback public demands through the platform. At the same time, the secondary management platform of the town submits the reported in-formation for preliminary screening and classification. For those that cannot be resolved, they are submitted to the county comprehensive dispatch center, which promptly trans-fers them to the designated department for handling according to the responsibility list. The application scope of "Juhao Bu": The application scope of the "Juhao Bu" platform covers all villages and communities in Julu County, achieving full-area coverage of grid management. Through the "Juhao Bu" platform, Julu County has explored digital em-powerment of grassroots governance and promoted the improvement of service quality for the public and the efficiency of work implementation. [50]

3、The conclusion would be more powerful if it drew clear practical implications for other regions.

We have added the following contents:

The above conclusions have certain reference value for other regions as well, mainly reflected in the following three aspects:

Firstly, they provide reference for pol-icy-making in other regions. The characteristic coupling patterns in China's pol-icy-making process offer new ideas for policy-making in other regions. For instance, emphasizing "decision reduction - implementation consultation" during the pol-icy-making process can reduce resistance in policy implementation and improve its effi-ciency; the role of policy entrepreneurs in the policy-making process can enhance policy innovation ability and execution capacity; the diverse generation methods of problem flows provide more ways for other regions to discover and solve problems during policy-making.Secondly, they offer reference for policy evaluation in other regions. The character-istic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process provide beneficial references for policy evaluation in other regions. For example, focusing on "decision reduction - im-plementation consultation" during policy evaluation can help assess the effectiveness of policy implementation; the role of policy entrepreneurs in the policy-making process can be evaluated for assessing policy innovation ability and execution capacity; the diverse generation methods of problem flows can help assess the effectiveness of policies in re-sponding to emergencies and long-term issues.

Thirdly, they provide inspirations for policy optimization in other regions. The characteristic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process provide inspirations for policy optimization in other regions. For instance, in the process of policy optimiza-tion, we can draw on the "central preference" mechanism in China's policy-making process to improve the consistency and coordination of policy implementation; in policy optimization, focusing on the role of policy entrepreneurs can enhance policy innovation ability and execution capacity; in policy optimization, drawing on the diverse generation methods of problem flows in China can improve the ability of policies to respond to emergencies and long-term issues.

In conclusion, the characteristic coupling patterns in China's policy-making process have reference significance for other regions. During the process of borrowing from China, other regions should, based on their own actual situations, combine the success-ful experiences in China's policy-making process, and continuously optimize the mechanisms for policy-making, evaluation and optimization to maximize policy goals. At the same time, China should also continue to deepen policy theoretical research and provide more beneficial policy suggestions and practical experiences for other regions.

Salute !

All authors

2025-02-24

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear editor and author,

The author has made detailed amendments to my questions, and I am very satisfied with these amendments. Therefore, I want to pass this review for the author of this article.

I personally believe that this research is very meaningful, as I am also working on this issue. Reviewing this study has also been very enlightening for me. Thank you.