Research on the Theoretical Framework and Model for the Regulation of Intelligent Waterway Transportation System in China

Intelligent waterway transportation system is a modern waterway transportation business form by the deep integration of traditional waterway transportation elements with modern high-tech. It includes five major elements: intelligent ships, intelligent navigation support, intelligent ports, intelligent services and intelligent regulation.Compared to the significant progress achieved in research and industrial practices of the other four major domains, the development of intelligent waterway transportation system regulation has lagged behind. This study systematically dissects the incompatibilities of the current regulatory system in terms of its regulatory models, technological capabilities, and support mechanisms. Relying on the theories such as digital government, digital transformation, experimentalism governance and responsive regulation, a regulatory theoretical framework in line with the development laws of intelligent waterway transportation is constructed. It delineates the core philosophy, constituent elements, and the transitional trajectory for regulation of intelligent waterway system. Further, regulatory models that adapt to its technical characteristics and evolution paths are proposed, namely the new technology-driven multi-party collaborative intelligent supervision model and the new business form-driven multi-dimensional dynamic inclusive supervision model. A governance paradigm that combines governance efficiency and institutional flexibility is formed. The research results can provide theoretical support and practical reference for the improvement of the regulation of intelligent waterway system.