Since themes such as climate adaptation and the energy transition often converge at the local level, these present complex challenges for local governments. Residents also frequently take the initiative to develop local solutions.
The Resilient Deltas Research Group and the Zeeland Society Knowledge Center of HZ University of Applied Sciences aim to develop methods in collaboration with partners that allow public sector professionals and citizen initiatives to strengthen each other.
They are pursuing this goal through the project "Responding to Citizen Initiatives in Climate Transitions." The research groups of HZ, together with Erasmus University, eight municipalities in Zeeland, the Province of Zeeland, Zeeland Bruist, and the Association of Dutch Municipalities, will develop knowledge and seek local solutions for social challenges.
Serious Game
Key questions addressed include how to support initiatives, avoid pitfalls, and encourage residents to take initiative. A significant component of the project is the development of a serious game that helps professionals hone their skills. The game integrates all knowledge acquired from literature, surveys, stakeholder interviews, and research.
The aim of "Responding to Citizen Initiatives in Climate Transitions" is to develop knowledge and applications that enable municipal employees to handle citizen initiatives more effectively, thereby achieving more together in climate transitions.
The project is co-financed by RAAK-public, a program of Regieorgaan SIA. RAAK-public research focuses on questions from the practice of the public sector.