New governance concepts An annotated bibliography by Emilien Gruet

ReCo Continental network for the co-production of knowledge, research and training ReCo Network Policy makers Researchers & Students Civil society members

Purpose of this bibliography To take stock of the literature that has emerged during the last two decades on many of the concepts used by ReCo. To explore complementary concepts revolving around the current renewal of governance. To allow researchers as well as practitioners and policy-makers to better understand these concepts. To facilitate the co-construction of knowledge and to bring this discussion into the formation of public policies that create employment, stimulate economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction.

Reviewed concepts Communities of practice Empowerment Distributed and participatory governance Policy dialogue and deliberative democracy Communicative and collaborative planning Co-construction

Communities of practice (CoP) What is it? CoP have always existed. We have just put a name on an age old phenomenon. CoP can be seen as structures that manage the soft part of knowledge.

“Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and who interact regularly to learn how to do it better” Communities of practice Definition

A shared domain of interest A community where built relationships enable members to learn from each other A community of practitioners in which members are active in the community, since the “doing” is essential to a CoP Communities of practice What does it take?

What are the possible means to create and foster those communities where they do not yet exist? Can communities of practice be virtual? Communities of practice Subjects of research

Distributed and Participatory Governance What does it mean? Not just one more buzzword. Not just one more buzzword. Consultation and involvement of various stakeholders around negotiation tables on specific issues is not enough. Consultation and involvement of various stakeholders around negotiation tables on specific issues is not enough. The institutionalization of spaces of dialogue and negotiation is needed. The institutionalization of spaces of dialogue and negotiation is needed.

Distributed and Participatory Governance Three main issues Problems of legitimacy Problems of intersectoriality Problems of accountability

Distributed and Participatory Governance Problems of legitimacy Participatory governance should not be used as an illusory legitimation of governmental actions. The recognition of the legitimacy of groups invited to participate is essential.

Distributed and Participatory Governance Problems of intersectoriality Field of action of public and civil society stakeholders become more and more intertwined. Intersectoral tables are thus critical to reach fair and efficient policy decisions.

Distributed and Participatory Governance Problems of accountability High level of accountability is at the core of efficient participatory governance. It remains the biggest challenge in the implementation of genuine distributed and participatory governance.

Thank you!