Speakers
Description
Climate change poses major challenges to water management and agricultural sectors across Europe. Floods, drought and water pollution require the development of resilient governance structures. In the framework of the FARMWISE project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, this study aims to analyze the resilience of actor networks within eight European case studies (CS) —Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ukraine —in the realms of water management and agriculture. The primary objective of this research is to identify leverage points within each network that can be targeted to strengthen their resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
To do so, this research integrates Social Network Analysis (SNA), Leverage Points (LP), and resilience theory to comprehensively examine network dynamics. SNA serves as the methodological foundation, enabling the mapping and quantification of relationships within actor networks through techniques such as centrality measures, cohesion analysis, and cluster identification. These methods reveal structural attributes that either enhance or impede network resilience. Resilience theory is applied to evaluate the networks’ capacity to absorb shocks, maintain functionality, and transform in response to environmental stresses. Additionally, the concept of LP, inspired by systems thinking and Donella Meadows’ framework, is utilized to pinpoint specific nodes or relationships within the network that are strategically important for boosting resilience. These LP represent areas where targeted interventions can significantly improve the network’s ability to adapt and recover from climate-induced disturbances. The interplay between SNA, LP, and resilience theory allows for a holistic analysis, identifying both structural weaknesses and critical areas for strategic enhancement to strengthen overall network resilience.
The methodology used for the research, encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure a robust analysis of network resilience. To achieve the research objectives, a digital tool was developed, in collaboration with TU Darmstadt. This tool, named COSMIC - Collaborative Stakeholder Mapping of Interactions and Collaborations - facilitates the visual mapping of actor networks through a structured survey, enabling the collection of essential data required for Social Network Analysis (SNA). The digital tool allows for the systematic identification and visualization of interactions among stakeholders, providing a comprehensive overview of each network’s structure and dynamics. In addition to the quantitative mapping, qualitative data collection methods are employed to enrich the analysis. To do so, interviews have been conducted with the leaders of each CS to gain in-depth insights into the functioning of their respective CS stakeholder’s networks. These interviews aimed to validate the information and provided context to the quantitative findings. Furthermore, focus groups with various stakeholders have been organized to validate and triangulate the information obtained from the surveys and interviews. This participatory approach (1) ensures the accuracy and reliability of the COSMIC tool and the identified LP, (2) validates whether the sample is sufficiently representative of each territorial agrosystem and (3) fosters a collaborative environment where stakeholders can already actively contribute to the strengthening of their networks.
The research is a work in progress, but the expected outcomes include detailed maps of actor networks within the selected European CS, highlighting structural characteristics that influence their resilience. The study aims to offer actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners seeking to fortify these networks against the impacts of climate change. The developed digital tool represents a scalable and replicable approach that can be applied to other regions and sectors, promoting informed governance strategies that enhance network resilience.
References
Abson, D.J. et al. (2017) ‘Leverage Points for Sustainability Transformation’. Ambio, 46(1), pp. 30–39. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0800-y.
Borgatti, S.P. et al. (2024) ‘Analyzing Social Networks’.
Meadows, D.H. (1999) ‘Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System’.
| Keywords | Climate Resilience, Social Network Analysis, Leverage Points, Water Management, Governance |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
