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How can degrowth actors engage in policy dialogue with growth-enhancing policy institutions?

A case study of the European network ECOLISE

This research investigates how degrowth actors shape advocacy work to drive transformative changes with a case study of ECOLISE, the European Network for Community-Led Initiatives on Climate Change and Sustainability. It explores the concept of structural coupling which involves utilizing growth-oriented institutions to foster degrowth initiatives. The study aims to answer the research question: "How does ECOLISE promote structural coupling?"

The objective is to provide insights and strategic methods for other degrowth actors engaging with growth-enhancing policy institutions. Through an empirical approach, the study contributes to the literature on strategies for a degrowth transition in relation to policy institutions. The field is currently understudied, with existing research on state-civil society relations in the field of degrowth focusing mostly on theoretical conceptualizations. 

Using qualitative grounded theory as a methodological tool, the study analyzes ECOLISE's work with EU institutions through various data sources, including news feeds, websites, publications, project and internal documents, and semi-structured interviews with ECOLISE team members.

Preliminary findings indicate that ECOLISE employs diverse methods to foster structural coupling, such as: Using EU funds to expand degrowth activities and knowledge, creating niches within collaborations, understanding shared needs with policy makers and proposing concrete action plans. ECOLISE also uses a two-fold strategy of disruption and conciliation, facilitates spaces for community-led initiatives and policy makers to come together, and participates in invited spaces. ECOLISE views the risk of cooptation as a result of the engagement with growth-oriented policy institutions as an opportunity for innovation and resilience through constant self-reflection and a focus on values.

Info

Day: 2023-08-30
Start time: 17:00
Duration: 00:15
Room: ZV-8-10
Type: Paper Presentation
Theme: Degrowth as a political project?

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