12 - Examples of Multi level & Networked Governance

Summary

This video explains the importance of governance and stakeholder involvement in creating innovative solutions for metropolitan areas. It explores multi-level and networked governance systems, using examples from the City of London, Delhi, and housing governance in the Netherlands. The video highlights how metropolitan innovators must navigate complex governance structures, balancing various actors and sectors. It also discusses the evolving roles of innovators in advocating for marginalized groups and fostering inclusive, democratic decision-making. Ultimately, understanding these governance systems leads to more tailored, sustainable, and equitable urban solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Governance is the architecture of interactions between three large sectors of society: the private sector, the public sector, and civil society, with positive tension between them in liberal democracies.
• 😀 Metropolitan innovators must understand complex systems of governance to make better decisions and deliver tailored, realistic solutions.
• 😀 Multi-level governance involves different levels of governance interacting with each other, such as the City of London being part of various territorial and functional networks.
• 😀 The City of London is a prime example of multi-level governance, with influence from local government, national authorities, and even the European Union and international organizations.
• 😀 In housing, multi-level governance involves national governments collaborating with various sectors, including developers, NGOs, service providers, and citizens to deliver high-quality solutions.
• 😀 Multi-level governance is characterized by a large number of decision-making arenas, differentiated by functional and territorial lines, and is interlinked in a non-hierarchical way.
• 😀 Governance is not just multi-leveled but also networked, where policymaking and implementation are shared across multiple actors, including politicians, experts, and the public.
• 😀 Metropolitan innovators need to adopt a new approach to problem identification and solving, which is more democratic, inclusive, and flexible, emphasizing deliberation and compromise.
• 😀 Accountability becomes a major challenge in multi-level and networked governance due to the shared decision-making across many actors and power asymmetries.
• 😀 Participation and advocacy in planning and design are on the rise, with planners becoming advocates for traditionally marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities, women, and children.
• 😀 The evolving role of metropolitan innovators includes new roles like managers, facilitators, negotiators, and process designers, with increasing participation from women and ethnic minorities in planning and designing cities.

Q & A

What is governance and why is it important for metropolitan innovators?

Governance refers to the architecture of interactions between the private sector, the public sector, and civil society. It is important for metropolitan innovators because understanding and operating within complex systems of governance allows them to make better decisions and deliver more effective solutions.

How do the private, public, and civil sectors interact in liberal democracies?

In liberal democracies, these three sectors are in 'positive tension' with each other. This means they apply pressure on one another, which results in checks and balances that ensure each sector aligns with societal needs.

Can you explain how governance works in the City of London?

The City of London is a unique example of multi-level governance. It is managed by the City of London Corporation, which has significant local governance responsibilities. However, it is also part of larger governance structures such as the Greater London Authority, the English regions, the nation of England, and the European Union, highlighting the multi-layered approach to governance in metropolitan areas.

What role does the European Union play in metropolitan governance?

The European Union plays a role in metropolitan governance by ensuring compliance with international treaties and supranational institutions. For example, the EU imposes regulations on energy management and carbon emissions, which impact cities like London.

How does multi-level governance apply to housing in Western Europe?

In Western Europe, national governments historically had a large say in housing delivery. However, multi-level governance in countries like the Netherlands involves collaboration across various sectors and levels, including national governments, NGOs, developers, builders, and citizens, to ensure the delivery of high-quality housing.

What is meant by networked governance?

Networked governance refers to a model where policymaking and implementation are shared across various actors, such as politicians, experts, private companies, NGOs, and the public. These actors form networks of decision-making across different levels, territories, and mandates, often in a non-hierarchical way.

What challenges arise from multi-level and networked governance?

Challenges include a lack of clear accountability, as decision-making is shared across multiple levels and networks. Additionally, power asymmetries exist between actors, and vulnerable groups, such as minorities or the elderly, often struggle to make their voices heard in governance processes.

Why is participation and advocacy important in metropolitan governance?

Participation and advocacy are crucial for ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups have a voice in how cities are managed and designed. These groups, such as ethnic minorities, women, and children, traditionally have had limited influence in urban planning, but their inclusion is essential for more democratic and inclusive urban development.

How have the roles of metropolitan innovators changed over time?

Historically, metropolitan innovators were predominantly men, but now there is a growing inclusion of women and members of ethnic and religious minorities in urban planning and design. This reflects a shift toward more diverse and inclusive roles in the field.

What key skills should metropolitan innovators develop to succeed in governance-based design?

Metropolitan innovators should develop skills in negotiation, facilitation, and compromise. They must be able to work within complex governance systems, manage diverse stakeholders, and design processes that ensure the success of urban innovation projects.