Impact of governance and mutual decision making in the chain of stakeholders on implementation of resource recovery technologies

Research background

The SuPER-W programme takes as a starting point that a paradigm shift is required in waste water treatment. Although SuPER-W is mainly focused on the development of new technologies, the ambition to create a paradigm shift involves much more than just the introduction of technology. A paradigm shift (of which technologies will form one part) will lead to uncertainties within waste treatment networks and undermine existing configurations within waste value chains.

Research objective

The main aim of the research is to analyse and understand the politics and the governance challenges that arise from the intended paradigm shift (or transition) in the waste (water) sector. This can start from a mapping of the existing dependencies between actors in the waste value chain, understanding their basic assumptions and value frameworks, and identifying possibly sources of conflict. It further entails analysing the potential shifts in actor coalitions and conflicts of interests, the resulting institutionalisation and rule formation, and the governance settings in which multi-actor negotiations and cooperation take place.

Expected results

Identification of bottlenecks and the formulation of policy recommendations for resource recovery and circular economy.

Implications of governance in support of a paradigm shift for the development of new business cases in the field of resource recovery.

Novel ways to integrate negotiations over societal concerns and conflicts of interests into the innovation trajectory.

Research question:

The main research question is: “What are the politics of a paradigm shift (or transition) from waste (water) treatment to resource recovery and circular economy and what are its implications for the governance of existing and emerging networks in this sector?”

Research approach

Empirically, the research will be based on three cases involving the introduction of new waste recovery technologies and existing models for the management of new technologies. One of the cases will be situated at OVAM, the Flemish public waste management office. A second case will be situated in the Netherlands and will involve a water waste recovery technology, for instance one developed at Delft University of Technology. The last remains to be decided.

In terms of theory and analytical framework, the research will build on disciplines such as Science and Technology Studies, Transition Studies, Political Theories and Innovation Management.