Identifying local governance through some fundamen- tal theoretical issues

Abstract

   Local governance, an essential element in modern national governance, ensures effective interaction among state, market and society at the local level. The article analyzes basic theoretical issues on local governance, clarifies the roles of subjects such as local government, central government, private sector, social organizations and citizens in local governance, and proposes a system of criteria and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of local governance that can be applied in Vietnam. The article is the result of the research project “General theoretical issues on local governance” chaired by the Institute of State Organizational Sciences, Ministry of Home Affairs, implemented in 2025.