In early 2024, we submitted the first paper from our project to a scientific journal. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review on public participation in policymaking related to sustainable mobility. Based on feedback from the journal, we are revising the manuscript and expect to resubmit it by the end of September.
Our literature review revealed that most public participation processes in sustainable mobility, as documented in academic journals, tend to be designed and evaluated in an unstructured manner. To explore whether this trend holds true in real-world practices, we initiated a follow-up study. This phase involved conducting semi-structured interviews with practitioners to understand how public participation processes are developed, what decisions are made, and the rationale behind them.
Over the past few months, we completed 16 interviews in the Netherlands. Our interviewees included professionals from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, ProRail, Populytics, and several municipalities, from Noardeast Fryslân to Kerkrade. We asked them to reflect on a recent participation project (either strategic or operational) and share their insights on the choices made regarding forms, objectives, and evaluation methods.
Preliminary results indicate that public participation is generally integrated from the outset, predominantly at the levels of informing, consultation, and placation, in line with Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation. The goals of these processes vary widely, and the evaluation methods differ from project to project. These findings align closely with the trends identified in the academic literature.
Next steps include the inductive coding of the interviews, followed by a thematic analysis to identify patterns and decision-making mechanisms. Ultimately, we aim to publish our findings and develop a qualitative tool to assist in designing more structured and effective public participation processes.
contact: josefa.janssen{at}ru.nl