Transformative Governance Tool

 

The objective of the Transformative Governance Tool is to help city administrations evaluate their governance structures for a particular transformative task, analyse the strengths and gaps in the current governance setup and identify steps for improvement. The assessment can be done individually or in a workshop with stakeholders relevant to the task in question (see the step-by-step guide). Based on the assessment, the most relevant recommendations with specific material are highlighted to guide improvements. 

In the context of UP2030, transformative governance refers to the norms, institutions and processes used by partner cities to make and implement decisions to move towards climate neutrality and liveability.

  • Integrative: Bringing together different perspectives and interests while breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across different sectors and departments.
  • Inclusive: Ensuring that all relevant stakeholders, including marginalised groups, have a voice and representation in decision-making processes.
  • Adaptive: Responding and adjusting to changing circumstances, uncertainties, and feedback over time.
  • Pluralist: Recognising and accepting diverse values, beliefs, and ideologies within governance frameworks to foster a more tolerant and democratic society.
  • Long-term: Considering the future implications and sustainability of decisions rather than focusing solely on short-term gains.
  • Intensive (effective, sufficient): Dedication of significant resources, effort, and attention to governance processes to ensure their effectiveness and adequacy in achieving desired outcomes.

Users score their governance structures across five dimensions, answering multiple-choice questions (0-4 scale). Each question comes with explanations to ensure accurate scoring.

  • Goals and perspectives – Are clear goals defined for transformation?
  • Instruments and strategies – What policies and strategies are in place?
  • Actors and networks – Who are the key stakeholders, and how are they involved?
  • Levels and scales – How well is action coordinated across different levels (local, regional, national)?
  • Resources and responsibilities – Are roles, cooperation structures and finances well-defined?
What can I get from here?
  • A structured self-assessment questionnaire that evaluates governance across five dimensions.
  • Actionable recommendations on how to improve governance structures for upscaling transformative solutions.
  • A flexible tool that can be used at different stages of urban planning and for various policy areas.

 

Who can use the Transformative Governance Tool?
  • City officials & urban planners, to evaluate governance readiness.
  • Policymakers, to identify gaps in governance arrangements.
  • Multi-stakeholder teams, to ensuring inclusive governance processes.

 

Expertise requirements

Users should have or be able to collect:

  • Information on policy context for the transformation area being assessed (e.g., existing policies, responsible institutions)
  • Knowledge of relevant actors involved in the governance process

 

Transformative Governance Tool and the 5UP approach

The self-assessment Tool aligns with the 5UP methodology by supporting cities in identifying gaps and strengths in their governance structures. It is particularly relevant during:

  • UP-DATING – Identifying governance strengths and areas that need improvement.
  • UP-SCALING – Ensuring governance frameworks are in place before expanding urban projects or policies.

 

It can also be used in any governance context where improvements are needed, especially when setting up or expanding urban sustainability projects.

Click on this link to learn more about the 5UP Approach.

 

Guide: How to use the Transformative Governance Tool

You can access the guide on how to use the Transformative Governance Tool here.

 

Partners involved

adelphi

 

Contact details

Daria Ivleva - ivleva [at] adelphi [dot] de