From fragmentation to collaboration: a study on collaborative governance of marine microplastic pollution in the Fujian-Taiwan region

Marine microplastic pollution in the Fujian–Taiwan region exhibits typical transregional negative externalities. Through contextual adaptation of the SFIC model, this study reveals that the root cause of the “governance lock-in” in addressing microplastic pollution across the Fujian–Taiwan area lies in the paradigmatic divergence between the “state-embedded administrative dominance” in mainland Fujian and the “society-participatory technical regulation” in Taiwan. This divergence has led to institutional, cognitive, and implementation barriers. Accordingly, a collaborative mechanism has been constructed, integrating “identification of initial factor constraints – construction of a tripartite catalytic leadership network – design of incentive-compatible institutions – evolution of a spiral collaborative process.” This mechanism not only provides a gradual and feasible practical pathway for marine microplastic governance in the Fujian–Taiwan region but also theoretically extends the explanatory power and application flexibility of collaborative governance models in cross-border contexts characterized by high political sensitivity and institutional heterogeneity.