The policy implementation failures and remedial strategies for the river chief system based on the Smith model

The river chief system, as an institutional innovation in China's river and lake governance practices, still face the practical challenge of implementation failures during its operation. Based on an analysis of the manifestations of implementation failures at the grassroots level, this paper employs Smith's policy implementation process model to construct a flexible implementation logic analytical framework encompassing four dimensions: policy texts, implementing agencies, target groups, and task environments, aiming to explore the underlying causes of implementation failures in the grassroots river chief system. Findings indicate that implementation failures at the grassroots level result from the combined effects of highly ambiguous and conflict-ridden policy texts, implementing agencies with limited authority and resources, target groups exhibiting low awareness and weak collaborative efforts, and an operational environment characterized by intense tasks and high pressure. Remedial measures should focus on standardizing enforcement practices, strengthening organizational foundations, mobilizing social forces, and alleviating implementation burdens, thereby ensuring the effective operation of the river chief system and enhancing its policy efficacy.