Comparative Analysis of Economic Governance Models for Street Vendors Across Urban Scales —— A Case Study of Suzhou, Jiaxing, and Taicang

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, the street vendor economy, as an important component of the informal sector in cities, plays an indispensable role in promoting employment, activating markets, and meeting diverse consumer needs. However, the unregulated expansion of the street vendor economy has posed urban management challenges, including issues related to environmental hygiene, traffic order, and urban safety. This study explores and compares the patterns and differences in the economic governance of street vendors across cities of varying scales, offering a theoretical basis and practical guidance for urban management. By integrating urban governance theory with desktop research, we define the concept and attributes of the street vendor economy. Following this, we select representative cities of various scales as research objects. Subsequently, we conduct a comparative analysis of the impacts and challenges posed by different urban governance models. Furthermore, we discuss the economic, social, cultural, and policy factors that lead to these differences. Lastly, this study provides strategic suggestions for the economic governance of street vendors in cities of different scales, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between social inclusiveness and economic development.