On June 15, 2024, at the ICCPS 2024 conference, Professor Geoboo Song delivered a keynote speech in video with the theme of Bridging Policy Research Across Borders: Challenges and Opportunities for China.

Professor Geoboo Song expressed his honor in attending the ICCPS, highlighting it as a significant opportunity to discuss policy research with both Chinese and global colleagues. He emphasized that the Policy Studies Journal has consistently played a crucial role in advancing policy research, standing at the forefront of the field and addressing the most pressing global challenges. In the current context of globalization, we face increasingly complex and uncertain issues such as climate change, immigration crises, and food security. These threats to human survival necessitate urgent global governance and collaboration. Consequently, there is a pressing need for constructive and cooperative solutions to these global problems. Policy Studies Journal plays a vital role in providing solutions to global problems.

Professor Geoboo Song firmly believes that in the long run, the solution can be better proposed by using the method of process theory. To tackle global challenges effectively, he advocates for sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise across borders, fostering mutual benefit, cultural exchanges, and mutual understanding.

At the same time, Professor Geoboo Song highly appreciated the remarkable progress China has made in policy research, noting its substantial contributions to both substantive policies and theoretical advancements. In fact, in recent years, Chinese scholars have published more articles in Policy Studies Journal than any other Asian country. However, he said, there are still certain challenges for Chinese policy studies. These include the need to formulate more valuable research questions, achieve theoretical innovations, design robust methodologies, improve English proficiency, and enhance communication. Moreover, there is a need to improve the research environment to maximize researchers' capabilities, build a strong network of researchers, communicate research developments, and create a more favorable research environment for Chinese scholars.

Finally, Professor Geoboo Song encouraged Chinese scholars to overcome the inherent limitations in their research practices and to participate more in international academic cooperation, thereby contributing to a brighter future through joint efforts.

Introduction to Keynote Speakers

Dr. Geoboo Song is an Associate Professor of Political Science, Public Policy, and Statistics and Analytics at the University of Arkansas. He also serves as the Vice Chair and Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Political Science and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Policy Studies Journal (PSJ). His general research interests include the systemic explanation of variations in individuals’ perceptions of policy problems, policy preferences, and behaviors within highly contentious and controversial domains. His work has been published in premier journals, including Policy Studies Journal, Risk Analysis, Political Psychology, Energy Policy, and Social Science Quarterly.