ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

‘Care is our Fuel’: Intrinsic Drivers and Collaborative Governance for Urban Climate Action

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 09 | URBAN FUTURES

Speaker

Mr Gustav Osberg (Lund University International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE))

Description

In an age of planetary crises, the urgency for transformative climate action has never been greater. Addressing the complex social, economic and political challenges of the climate crisis necessitates deliberative approaches that engage a diverse array of actors. Such approaches must not only articulate desirable visions for sustainable futures but also identify the governance processes capable of achieving them. Central to this transformation is the continued and deepened shift from strictly traditional, control-oriented governance to new forms of collaborative frameworks that can empower climate action through voluntary association and engagement

However, while goernance research frequently emphasises the extrinsic drivers to climate action, such as material incentives, regulatory frameworks, or social pressures, far less attention has been paid to more intrinsic drivers. These include shared values, collective meaning-making, and deeply held commitments that originate within individuals, groups, organisations, and institutions. Understanding when, how, and why these intrinsic drivers play a pivotal role in catalysing climate action is critical to advancing both theory and practice in sustainability governance.

On this topic, this presentation will share insights from an ongoing study of Malmö Works, a public-private network based in Malmö, Sweden as a case of collaborative governance in action. Consisting of private companies, Malmö City, the regional transit authority, and Malmö University and initially established to promote sustainable commuting practices, the network is now seeking to expand its role to contribute more broadly to Malmö City’s climate agenda. Employing qualitative, action-oriented research methods including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and co-creative workshops this study explores the interplay between intrinsic drivers and the structural dimensions of collaborative governance.

Preliminary findings highlight Malmö Works as a platform for shared learning, experimentation, and addressing complex, “orphaned” issues such as sustainable commuting. Key drivers of member engagement include the articulation of shared and unifying vision of a healthy and liveable city and the autonomy facilitated by the network’s member-driven structure. These intrinsic drivers are further amplified by governance practices that prioritize co-creation, mutual learning, and adaptive management. However, challenges persist, including the need to sustaining engagement among shifting members, securing stable financing and navigating the trade-offs inherent in ramping up the network’s activities.

This paper argues that collaborative networks hold potential as agents of change and that intrinsic drivers are a key dimension to this potential. They can bridge institutional and sectoral divides, enhance participatory governance, and facilitate a just transition that foreground sustainability and participation. The findings underscore the importance of intrinsic drivers in fostering meaningful and enduring climate action, offering valuable insights for planners and policymakers seeking to mobilize transformative responses in an age of planetary crisis.