Cognitive Evolution and China’s International Development Cooperation

Abstract China’s approach to International Development Cooperation (IDC) has been one of continuous evolution. The 2000s version Chinese IDC applied a request-/project-centrism methodology, focused on the infrastructure sector, and mixed aid with business. Since launch Belt Road Initiative (BRI), methodological dimension existing model changed by virtue growing emphasis top-level design, sectoral programmes, high standards for project implementation. How explain these changes? Different from conventional material-functionalist approaches, this article attributes development cognitive evolution—an intra-community collective learning mechanism that drives changes in norms practices. Cognitive evolution consists following three interconnected processes: uncertainty build-up; experimentation; selection. Three factors may shape trajectories are as follows: legacy orthodox norms; availability transferable local ideas; communal interpretation candidate ideas’ performance. was constructed based critical reflections internationalist foreign Mao era policy community’s transplantation experience. methodology model—request-/project-centrism—has come under new pressure change due BRI’s ambition engender more substantial sustainable developmental impact.