Adaptive Governance

New forms of adaptive governance are emerging at national and regional levels as a response to the increasing complexity and uncertainty surrounding environmental problems. Under this theme we explore new insights into the causes of shifts in governance, appraise the adaptiveness of different governance mechanisms, and eventually develop policy advice on the improvement of governance arrangements. We look especially at shifts in water governance, an area marked by frequent interlinkages across national borders, provincial boundaries, policy areas and levels of decision making. Typical activities include participation in the European NEWATER consortium about adaptive water governance in river basins or a study on connected governance structures for flood risk management in the Netherlands. A recent research focus is adaptive climate governance. Contact information: Dr. Dave Huitema, More information: website.