Public Actors’ Capacities in the Governance of Green Transitions (CAPACITOR)

Abstract:

Public actors (like municipalities, national agencies, public utilities) have beenentrusted to reduce CO2 emissions, and are taking the lead in the governance ofgreen transitions. However, the governance of green transitions is complex(coordinating many stakeholders, creating market and institutional contexts forinvestments, adapting standards and safety regulations, etc.). Hence, public actorsneed organizational capacities. CAPACITOR project asks, How are public actorsdeveloping and using their organizational capacities in the complex governanceprocesses of green transitions? And, What specific combinations of public actors’capacities are required for achieving green transitions? We will compare 24 indepth cases in the energy and maritime transport sectors, collecting data from250+ interviews, 24 observations, and 450+ documents. The findings will helpdeveloping a theory on public actor’s capacities for green transitions, andidentifying deficiencies in current capacities.