The Evolution of Chinas Digital Economy Policy A Grounded Theory Study Using ATLAS.ti

This study employs grounded theory methodology and ATLAS.ti software to analyze the evolution of Chinas digital economy policies 2005–2025 , using 19 central government documents. It reveals a three phase state led transformation 1 a foundational phase 2005–2015 institutionalizing e commerce and infrastructure under a “following development” approach 2 a transitional phase 2015–2020 pursuing technology driven growth through initiatives like Internet Plus and big data and 3 a maturation phase 2020–2025 prioritizing systemic governance via landmark legislation Data Security Law, Personal Information Protection Law , spatial optimization “East Data, West Computing” , and societal embeddedness Smart Cities . Key findings identify digital governance code frequency 218 as the dominant paradigm in Phase III, demonstrating China's distinctive “regulation before innovation” model Chen, 2023 . The analysis confirms the state's dual role as infrastructure architect persistent Policy Support codes and market enabler, culminating in an embedded governance framework where regulatory and technical implementation converge. Methodologically, this research validates grounded theory's efficacy in decoding complex policy landscapes, offering theoretical advances in state capacity digitalization while providing practical insights for global stakeholders navigating China's digital transformation trajectory. Tang Xianhao | Yarnaphat Shaengchart | Supakorn Suradinkura "The Evolution of China's Digital Economy Policy: A Grounded Theory Study Using ATLAS.ti" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-9 | Issue-5 , October 2025, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd97505.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/97505/the-evolution-of-chinas-digital-economy-policy-a-grounded-theory-study-using-atlasti/tang-xianhao