Effective Stakeholder Engagement for Better Water and Energy Governance

Transformation from top-down government to collaborative governance for natural resources requires broadening the scope of stakeholders involved. However, the systemic identification and assessment of stakeholder engagement remains a challenge. This paper develops a network-based framework for assessing stakeholder engagement in natural resources governance. The framework proposed five system-level metrics: inclusivity, cohesion, centralization, efficiency, and brokerage, as well as three node-level metrics: dominators, brokers, and communicators. By using public submission data on four government policy initiatives each reflecting a major component of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, this study assessed the structural aspects of stakeholder engagement relevant to water resource management in the Murray-Darling Basin following legislative reforms in 2007. Findings suggested that current stakeholder engagement structures are neither balanced, nor have adequate maturity to develop a governance approach to resolve issues within the Basin. High variability between patterns of involvement in submissions to key policy initiatives indicated there were haphazard aggregations of public comments and the top-down approach to water management is still dominant. The framework developed in this paper offers a structural and systemic perspective for re-configuring stakeholder engagement networks for improving collaborative governance.

Water governance and stakeholder engagement are receiving research attention for their role in formulating and implementing solutions to the world’s critical water challenges. The inspiration for this Special Issue came from our desire to provide a platform for sharing results and informing the global water governance community about the wealth of excellent interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and projects being carried out around the world. The 20 peer-reviewed papers collected in this Special Issue have been grouped into three categories: stakeholder engagement, tools for building water management and governance capacity, and perspectives on water management and governance. Following a brief summary of the papers, concluding remarks that reflect on what the papers, taken as a whole, contribute to our understanding are provided.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Stakeholder engagement has been proposed to help realign clinical and translational research with the needs of clinicians, patients, and policymakers. Increasingly, funders and researchers seek to partner with stakeholders to inform study design, execution and dissemination of results. Kids and families Impacting Disease through Science (KIDS) is a program of the American Academy of Pediatrics that seeks to engage youth in clinical research. United States KIDS programs participate in International Children’s Advisory Network activities. The Chicago KIDS Advisory Board program at Walter Payton College Preparatory School, a Chicago Public School, was initiated in 2015 to foster and develop interest in careers in science, research and healthcare and provide youth perspectives to academic and industry researchers on the design and development of pediatric research studies. This project engaged youth advisors in creation and evaluation of a video explaining clinical research and informed consent for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, a clinical partner of the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Payton program advisory board sessions are 1.5hr interactive seminars held on 1–2 school days each month. During the 2016–2017 school year, students participated in 3 stakeholder sessions, led by Lurie Children’s hospital researchers, to advise development of a script, storyboards, and ultimately an animated video that informs children and families about participation in clinical research to aid in the decision-making process. Qualitative research methods were used to examine attitudes towards clinical research and assess the video on content objectives, clarity of concept, and appropriateness for a pediatric audience. Following production, students from the 2017–2018 advisory board viewed the final video and presurvey and postsurvey were administered to assess the effect of video on the comprehension of 8 key concepts of informed consent on a 5-point Likert scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare median pretest and post-test ranks. Results of this analysis were reviewed in seminar and students provided written contribution to this abstract. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In total, 11 Walter Payton high school students participated in video development and 27, who were naïve to development, participated in the pre and post evaluation sessions. Students ranged from Freshman to Seniors and reflected the diverse ethnic and racial background of Chicago. A positive change from pre to post-test survey was observed in all questions presented assessing comprehension of key concepts of informed consent. The median post-test ranks were statistically significantly higher than the median pre-test ranks for all questions (p<0.01 in all). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Chicago KIDS youth advisors were engaged in all aspects of the design of the research tool and gained experience in stakeholder contribution from study design to evaluation and publication. The students will next be involved in the design of a prospective randomized study to test the efficacy of the video compared with standard recruitment and consent practices. Given the difficulty of recruiting youth for clinical trials, development of effective engagement practices in is critically important. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing youth advisors in a public school based setting.

The subsidiarity principle of water resources management suggests that water management and service delivery should take place at the lowest appropriate governance level. The principle is attractive for several reasons, primarily because: 1) the governance level can be reduced to reflect environmental characteristics, such as the hydrological borders of a watershed that would otherwise cross administrative boundaries; 2) decentralization promotes community and stakeholder engagement when decision-making is localized; 3) inefficiencies are reduced by eliminating reliance on central government bureaucracies and budgetary constraints; and 4) laws and institutions can be adapted to reflect localized conditions at a scale where integrated natural resources management and climate change adaptation is more focused. Accordingly, the principle of subsidiarity has been welcomed by many states committed to decentralized governance, integrated water resources management, and/or civic participation. However, applications of decentralization have not been uniform, and in some cases have produced frustrating outcomes for states and water resources. Successful decentralization strategies are heavily dependent on dedicated financial resources and human resource capacity. This article explores the nexus between the principle of subsidiarity and the enabling environment, in the hope of articulating factors likely to contribute to, or detract from, the success of decentralized water resources management. Case studies from Haiti, Rwanda, and the United States’ Florida Water Management Districts provide examples of the varied stages of decentralization.

Global climate change has garnered some media attention, but has failed to gather the attention of most governmental decision makers and the public. In an effort to advance concerns about the issue, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers sponsored a three-day symposium on climate change last May 19-21 in Portland. At the symposium, scientists and public officials from both the U.S. and Canada explored the science of climate change, the potential implications and impact of climate change on this region, and the possible policy responses. Dean Marriott [and James Bruce and Mark Victor, this issue] reflecting the breadth of topics explored at the symposium, argues that the level of public and public policy decision makers' awareness about climate change issues must be heightened, and decision makers must begin to deal collaboratively with the many serious challenges climate change is presenting to the region.

This study aims to measure the maturity level of data governance in the distribution of social assistance using the COBIT 2019 framework. We chose COBIT 2019 as the methodology due to its comprehensive guidance for information technology governance. Measurements were made by assessing researchers focused on 4 domains APO, BAI, and DSS. The results of the study indicate variations in the level of maturity across processes. Some processes, such as risk management and operational efficiency, have reached the desired level of maturity, while other processes, such as information security and organizational change management, still require significant improvement. The gaps found in this measurement provide valuable insights into areas that require further attention. Recommendations for improvement include improving user training, strengthening security procedures, and improving communication and stakeholder engagement. Implementation of the proposed improvements is expected to improve data governance maturity and, in turn, improve the quality and accuracy of social assistance distribution. This study makes a significant contribution to understanding and improving data governance in the public sector, especially in the context of social assistance distribution. The results and recommendations from this study can be used by related organizations to optimize their data management processes so that they can be more effective and efficient in serving the public.

The ethical, economic, social, and regulatory issues continue to mount with the increasing use of autonomous AI agents across heterogeneous areas of social value. This chapter sets out a framework through which the multidimensional effects of autonomous AI agents in different specific areas of social value can be analyzed. Applying this adaptive impact aggregation, coupled with validation through the collection of empirical data and simulation involving hundreds of agents on various levels of governance, an overall social score was achieved. In this regard, the maximum effect measured 89% for participatory governance, 91% for ethical alignment, and at least 35% for economic disruption. These agents performed 61% better than the high-autonomy agents without restriction. Stakeholder engagement and governance will enable AI alignment. This framework enables AI developers, policy makers, and other stakeholders to act on scaling, measuring, and using AI tools in an ethical manner while the automated systems become transparent, fair, and accountable.

BackgroundSelf-care acupressure might be successful in treating menstrual pain, which is common among young women. There is a need for comparative effectiveness research with stakeholder engagement in all phases seeking to address the needs of decision-makers. Our aim was to design a study on the effectiveness of additional self-care acupressure for menstrual pain comparing usual care alone using different methods of stakeholder engagement.MethodsThe study was designed using multiple mixed methods for stakeholder engagement. Based on the results of a survey and focus group discussion, a stakeholder advisory group developed the study design.ResultsStakeholder engagement resulted in a two-arm pragmatic randomized trial. Two hundred and twenty women aged 18 to 25 years with menstrual pain will be included in the study. Outcome measurement will be done using electronic questionnaires provided by a study specific mobile application (App). Primary outcome will be the mean pain intensity at the days of pain during the third menstruation after therapy start.ConclusionStakeholder engagement helped to develop a study design that better serves the needs of decision makers, including an App as a modern tool for both intervention and data collection in a young target group.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov identifier http://NCT01582724

Predicting the future impact of Autonomous Vehicles on infrastructure and urban form is critical for decision makers at all levels of government. The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) is a disruptive technology in transportation and its impact could resonate through all levels of society and government. The impact on infrastructure spending and decisions is one of the greatest reasons for understanding the potential outcomes of the technology but, in addition, the potential of the technology to play a positive role for the less advantaged members of society is large if there is proper direction of the technology as it is implemented. Auto makers view the technology as something which offers their customers a higher level of convenience and safety and, as such, they are in heated competition to develop this technology. In order to understand and speculate on the systemic urban impact of this nascent transportation technology, a comprehensive methodology is required. This paper will present, substantiate and describe such methodology. We base our proposal on existing future envisioning techniques for business decision making, precedent discussions on the impact of AVs, and on visionary traditions of architectural and urban design. We do not intend a precise method for future prediction, but rather a useful and robust tool that can be used by decision makers to take better informed decision on maximizing benefits and mitigating problems of new transportation technologies with regard to the quality of urban environments.

The concept of broader participation of stakeholders and more inclusive decision making has been increasingly recognized in many countries both at national and international level. Effective stakeholder engagement in a complex resource system is fundamental to ensure the successful implementation of policies at the ground level. Particularly when the multi-purpose values of the whole Lake Tana ecosystem are considered, there are multiple stakeholders with diverse interests in and power over natural resource use, management and governance. Therefore, a clear understanding of the potential roles and contributions of the many different stakeholders of the Lake Tana social-ecological system is a fundamental prerequisite for successful participatory natural resource management and governance. Stakeholder analysis is a basic tool for achieving this understanding. The overall objective of this chapter is therefore, to provide a preliminary description of stakeholders’ interest in and influence over natural resource use, management, governance and policy process in the Lake Tana sub-basin. It depicts the stakeholders’ landscape based on focus group discussions, key informant interviews and stakeholder identification and analysis workshop which was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of experts from different stakeholder groups (governmental, research, academic and NGOs). The results can help inform and assist policy makers in the development of sustainable natural resource management policy, taking into account the interest and influence of a wide range of stakeholders. The chapter begins with a brief introduction of the Lake Tana context. It then presents the concept of stakeholder and stakeholder engagement followed by the rationale for stakeholder identification and analysis.

The expansion of renewable energy sources is pivotal in mitigating climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable energy future. However, the realization of this transition faces numerous regulatory barriers that impede the deployment and integration of renewable energy technologies. This abstract explores the legal strategies essential for overcoming these barriers and promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion. Regulatory hurdles often stem from outdated policies, complex permitting processes, and conflicting regulations at various governmental levels. Moreover, legal uncertainties surrounding property rights, land use, and interconnection standards pose significant challenges to renewable energy developers and investors. To address these barriers, legal frameworks must evolve to accommodate the unique characteristics and requirements of renewable energy projects. Effective legal strategies encompass a range of interventions, including streamlining permitting procedures, harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions, and providing clarity on legal and contractual frameworks. Furthermore, innovative policy mechanisms such as feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and tax incentives can incentivize renewable energy deployment while ensuring regulatory compliance. Promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion requires a proactive approach to legal and regulatory reform. This involves fostering collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and legal experts to identify regulatory bottlenecks and develop tailored solutions. Additionally, flexible regulatory frameworks that allow for experimentation and adaptation to technological advancements are essential for driving innovation in the renewable energy sector. Case studies from various jurisdictions illustrate successful legal strategies employed to overcome regulatory barriers and promote innovation in renewable energy expansion. These examples highlight the importance of proactive policy interventions, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive governance structures in facilitating the transition to a renewable energy economy. In conclusion, overcoming regulatory barriers and promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal, policy, and technological solutions. By adopting proactive legal strategies, policymakers can create an enabling environment that fosters renewable energy deployment, accelerates innovation, and advances the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Prioritizing the patient voice in the development of urologic oncology research

Africa's first bus rapid transit (BRT) scheme became operational in March 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria. Termed “BRT-Lite,” this new form of BRT focuses on the delivery of improved quality of life within a modest budget. The implementation program, from conception to operation, was collapsed into a 15-month time frame; that together with its delivery cost of $1.7m/km made its development unique and its experience relevant to cities throughout the world seeking to develop BRT. BRT-Lite's success cannot be explained by its infrastructure; it is also the result of a holistic approach. That approach involved reorganization of the bus industry, the financing of new buses, the creation of a new institutional structure and regulatory framework of support, and the training of personnel to drive, maintain, enforce, and manage the BRT. While these challenges were being met, the public was engaged and informed about a transportation system of which it had no previous knowledge. Public reception of the concept was immediate and positive. An assessment of BRT-Lite, which followed its inception, found the scheme to be an unprecedented success. The critical success factors were defined as significant and consistent political commitment, the presence and capabilities of a strategic public transport authority, a scheme definition that concentrated on essential user needs and deliverability within a budget and program, engagement of key stakeholders, assurances that the benefits would be widespread, and a community engagement program to ensure that BRT-Lite was seen as a community project created, owned, and used by Lagosians. The future challenge is to meet high demand through rollout of the BRT network.

Stakeholder evaluations of risk interventions for non-potable recycled water schemes: A case study

The world's population is aging rapidly and older adults carry a disproportionate cancer burden. Despite this, older patients remain underrepresented in clinical research. As a result, the evidence base informing guideline development remains limited. Existing guidelines vary in methodological quality and applicability. We aimed to evaluate the quality and clinical applicability of established geriatric oncology guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation, version II (AGREE II) instrument. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, in addition to official oncology society websites (ASCO, NCCN, SoFOG, Japanese Geriatric Oncology Group). The search covered publications from January 2000 to May 2025 and was limited to English and to guidelines that specifically address cancer care in older adults and provide documented methodologies. Two reviewers independently appraised each guideline using the AGREE II tool across six domains: scope and purpose, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity of presentation, applicability, and editorial independence. A total of 807 records were identified,out of which only 6 guidelines met the eligibility criteria. The AGREE II assessment revealed significant variability in guideline quality. Most guidelines scored high in clarity of presentation and scope and purpose, but showed moderate to low scores in stakeholder involvement and applicability. The recent ASCO guidelines demonstrated higher overall methodological rigor, whereas others lacked comprehensive documentation of evidence synthesis and user applicability. While several geriatric oncology guidelines demonstrate acceptable quality, inconsistencies remain, particularly in stakeholder engagement and practical implementation. Enhanced methodological rigor and inclusive development processes are essential for future guideline improvement and effective translation into geriatric oncology practice.