Potential for social learning in sustainable regional development: analysis of stakeholder interaction with a focus on the role of scientists
Abstract
This article is concerned with regional development and its dimension of (un)sustainability: it analyses conditions for the success or failure of sustainable development strategies from a social point of view. The authors share their experience acquired within the process of compiling a database of case studies from different regions of the Czech Republic and from abroad, and subsequently provide a brief analytical overview of cases in this special issue.
The analytical perspective focuses on the roles of actors in a dialogue about regional sustainability issues within cooperative or conflict situations, and a description of the communication processes at play. An analytical tool (actor analysis) is employed to explore the relationships of the actors involved and the process where different approaches to "nature", "environment", and/or "sustainable development" were conceived but often not agreed upon.
Information and evidence included in the case studies from CR and abroad was coded according to the set of variables defined by actor analysis. Consequent comparative meta-analysis of these variables in different cases helped to formulate several hypotheses: for successful sustainable development at regional level, future visions should be discussed and shared by all stakeholders, including local citizens who seek to protect their well-being.
Cases in which local actors had to choose between two polarised, controversial solutions, the usual outcome was a deadlock in communication. The establishment of a communication framework for actor involvement appeared to be beneficial.
This finding provides an opportunity for scientists and experts to facilitate these processes in practice. The article shows how important it is to investigate the social aspects of development issues and map relationships between key and other actors to understand negotiation processes in order to influence democratic decision making at regional level.