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In current policy-making processes, governments are working more closely with citizens, civil society organisations, and private sector companies than previously. To a large extent, this is due to the complexity of issues to be taken into account, chain effects and multiple consequences of single actions, and growing number of stakeholders affected by decisions.
In order to make such ‘network’ governance and decision-making processes more effective, a common understanding of issues is necessary. Including different types of knowledge from various groups is a crucial resource for such inclusive decision-making. Urban local governance offers opportunities for more inclusive management and planning, incorporating existing practitioner knowledge from the private sector and citizen preferences, as the interface between local government and citizens is fairly direct. Therefore, it is strategic to examine how existing knowledge from government, citizens, civic organisations and the private sector can be linked to the geographic areas for which decisions have to be made.
Development of new instruments and tools using digital information and communication technology and its increasingly affordable access to larger groups has the potential to stimulate and improve local governance. Urban planners and managers could benefit from such instruments and tools enabling better production of knowledge, improved display and presentation of data, and enhanced communication and dialogue with various stakeholders and audiences. Read more on www.chance2sustain.eu
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