Collaborative processes

Collaborative processes are adaptive and potentially transformative coping strategies that are used when individual actors realise that they are not able to face challenges alone, and that co-operation with other actors will lead to better outcomes. Collaboration often appears in middle transition phases because it is at this point that individual actors realise that they are facing problems that require broad cooperation. Collaborative processes are usually organised by established institutional actors at national or regional levels. However, they can be used by anyone and at any scale where problems can’t be solved by any one actor on their own.

Deliberation and debate are hallmarks of collaborative processes. When conducted effectively, they don’t produce winners or losers, but rather reach negotiated agreements that all actors can accept. Key to the success of these programs is attention to implementation of co-developed solutions. They are also very useful for building networks and relationships.

Further reading