Spatially Dynamic Stakeholder Networks for Vital Infrastructure Services

Keywords: Stakeholders, collaboration, infrastructure services, stakeholder networks, social connectivity, extreme events
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

Purpose. Stakeholders are geographically diverse, encompassing many scales, from individuals to political jurisdictions. Understanding stakeholder networks is critical to infrastructure decisions since stakeholders are increasingly pervasive in key public service decisions. New networks often build upon previous ones. The presentation purpose is to identify stakeholder attributes for selected infrastructure service events for broader applicability across different infrastructure conditions and events including emergencies and hazards. Stakeholder attributes include network structure, interconnectedness, degree and type of engagement and collaboration, and purpose, and are dynamic often changing over time. The focus is on Infrastructure services that are above and below ground for electric power, transportation, water, sanitation, and communications, differing in visibility, localization, and centralization.

Methods. A literature and case-based comparative approach is used to identify, assemble, and compare infrastructure stakeholder attributes against infrastructure attributes. Stakeholder attributes include stakeholder types (industry, residential), collaboration type (passive participation, education, co-ownership and activism, see Zimmerman ICSD 2022), stakeholder experience and knowledge. Infrastructure attributes include type, location, geographic extent, actions taken (project stopped, modified) and duration.

Selected Conclusions.
-Stakeholder collaboration networks are dynamic changing over time, place and situation, and even within the same problem space as needs change.
-A network framework provides flexibility to portray differences in patterns and change.
-The scale of collaboration enlarges where delays in infrastructure resolution and process occur
-Applicability across geographic areas increases where common experiences occur and communication is needed.
-Stakeholder networks can be extended to other problems, geographic areas, and stakeholder populations.