Building Outward: Collaborative Platforms and the Expansion of Local Collaboration

• In Event: Collaborative Governance for a Clean, Smart, and Resilient Society: Insights into Policy and Practice

Abstract

Recent studies on local collaborative governance have examined how collaboration evolves and the strategies used to sustain collaboration over time (Ulibarri et al., 2020). Another stream of research has introduced the concept of collaborative platforms, defined as a higher-level organization or program designed to facilitate local collaborative efforts (Ansell & Gash, 2018). This study aims to address research gaps in these two streams of literature. First, existing research has evaluated collaborative platforms with programmatic effectiveness, using output and outcome measures tied to specific platform-level program goals. It remains unclear how a collaborative platform and its local collaborations institutionalize and expand collaborative efforts beyond initial objectives—particularly through interconnected activities that support sustained collaboration. Second, there is limited understanding of how the type of lead organization affects the trajectory of collaboration. Collaborations led by governmental organizations may rely more heavily on their institutional authority and existing resources, potentially with less need to expand their activities or collaborate with other entities. In contrast, collaborations led by nongovernmental entities may face greater pressure to proactively grow to sustain their efforts over time.

To address these gaps, this study asks:  1) Do local collaborations supported by a collaborative platform expand and engage in interconnected collaborative activities? 2) Are collaborations led by nongovernmental entities more likely to expand than those led by governmental actors? The empirical context for this study is the Clean Cities program, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Designed to promote the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and the deployment of clean transportation infrastructure, the Clean Cities program functions as a collaborative platform by facilitating local collaborations. For the analysis, I constructed on a county-level dataset ranging from 1990 to 2020 which records local collaborations and their expansions, measured by engagement in interconnected collaborative activities beyond their original scope.  

This study attempts to broaden theoretical understanding of how collaborative platforms influence the expansion and institutionalization of local collaborations. In addition, the findings offer practical insights for federal agencies in tailoring support strategies to sustain local collaborative efforts. 

Author

• Heewon Lee, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author