Policy Analysis of Multi-Actor Systems  -  2nd edition

Bert Enserink; Pieter Bots; Els van Daalen; Leon Hermans; Rens Kortmann; Joop Koppenjan; Jan Kwakkel; Tineke Ruijgh; Wil Thissen; Jill Slinger

doi:10.5074/T.2022.004

Policy Analysis of Multi-Actor Systems - 2nd edition

Authors

Bert Enserink, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Pieter Bots, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Els van Daalen, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Leon Hermans, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Rens Kortmann, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Joop Koppenjan, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Jan Kwakkel, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Tineke Ruijgh, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Wil Thissen, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Jill Slinger, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5074/T.2022.004

Keywords: problem structuring, systems analysis , actor analysis, uncertainty

Synopsis

Policy of Multi-Actor Systems is an introduction into the art of craft of problem exploration and problem structuring. It positions policy analysis as a scientific discipline focused on systems analysis in a multi-actor context to support better informed decision-making. The approach presented in this book is considered to be the cornerstone of the curricula of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management of Delft University of Technology and underlies the research on (the governance of) socio-technical systems. Systems thinking applied in a multi-actor environment and its inherent multi-disciplinary character is what makes this work stand out from traditional hard- and soft systems approaches. The core of the book is dedicated to systems analysis, actor- or stakeholder-analysis and discusses methods for dealing with uncertainty. These analytical activities combined lead to a rich problem description and to plans for further research. Due to the stepwise approach this book serves as a basis for any problem analysis both for our bachelor and master students, our alumni worldwide and any interested practitioners.

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Author Biographies

Leon Hermans, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Leon Hermans works as associate professor on water and environmental policy analysis at TU Delft, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, as well as with IHE Delft, an academic institute for water education and research under the auspices of UNESCO.

Research interests are monitoring, evaluation and learning to support adaptive delta management and water-related transformations to sustainability. This is combined with a longer-standing interest in the use of actor and strategy models for water governance and strategic planning. Leon is (co-)leading projects on transformative and adaptive planning in the water sector, nature-based solutions, evaluation of water partnerships, and water allocation and rights.

Teaching includes courses on policy analysis in multi-actor systems, actor and strategy models, and water policy and partnerships. In addition to on-campus courses, also online courses are an important part of teaching, including an online programme on Water Strategy and Planning jointly offered by TU Delft and IHE Delft.

Leon obtained a PhD degree in Policy Analysis from TU Delft. After his PhD, he worked for a few years for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, before continuing his academic career in Delft.

Jill Slinger, Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Jill Slinger is a transdisciplinary scientist and teacher in environmental systems modelling, engineering and policy analysis at Delft University of Technology. She also an honorary visiting professorship at Rhodes University, South Africa and is an office bearing member of the interational Scientific Committee for Problems of the Environment (SCOPE). Her research expertise rests on excellence in (i) field-based knowledge of aquatic systems, (ii) mathematical modelling, (iii) intervention methods and (iv) participatory engagement with communities, scientists, policy makers and the private sector. She publishes in water, coastal, environmental science, policy, planning and engineering journals, and holds the position of Editor in Chief of the transdisciplinary journal Environmental Development. Currently, her research activities focus on using ecosystem-based design knowledge in supporting transdisciplinary interactions between people, science and policy in river and coastal systems – a co-design approach to planning and management.