Ding Renfang

Professor Ding Renfang is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Political Science at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), affiliated with the College of Social Sciences. He holds the academic rank of Professor and has served in multiple administrative roles, including Vice Dean of the College of Social Sciences (2018), Director of the Institute of Political Science and Economics (2001-2004), and Director of the Journalism Center (2000-2001). He has also held leadership positions such as Dean of Kunshan University of Science and Technology International College (2014-2016) and Director of the Center for Public Affairs at NCKU (2006-2012).

His educational background includes a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Pittsburgh (1992), an M.A. in Political Science from National Taiwan University (1986), and a B.A. in Political Science from the same institution (1981). His research focuses on local governance, comparative politics, political economy, and public policy, with significant contributions to studies on Taiwan's political systems and cross-strait relations.

Administrative and public service roles include advisory roles in Tainan City Government, including Deputy Convener of the Social Welfare Group (Sustainable Development Committee), advisor to the Urban Development Bureau, and member of the Executive Yuan Human Rights Promotion Committee (2008-2009). He has also served as an adjunct professor at Sun Yat-sen University and Open University’s Public Administration Department.

Professor Ding has supervised numerous postgraduate students and authored/co-authored books such as Government and Enterprise and Authoritarian Corporatism: Theory, Development, and Transformation. His awarded research includes grants from the National Science Council and other institutions.

His academic contributions span over 30 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations on topics like governance structures in China, cross-strait relations, and democratic transitions in Taiwan. He has also led research projects on topics such as government restructuring, pension policies, and community development.