Gedragen beleid. Een bestuurskundig onderzoek naar interactief beleid en draagvlak in de stad Utrecht

Introduction This study investigates whether and how the concepts of 'particpatory policymaking' and 'stakeholder support' are related. Since the 1990s local election turnout has been decreasing and participation of stakeholders, such as groups of citizens, social organisations and companies, entered a new phase in Dutch urban policy. Greater use of participation has evolved into so-called participatory policymaking. The central idea is that involving and committing stakeholders and (groups of) citizens in the early phase of the policy process, rather than consulting them just before the implementation phase, creates a broader support for that policy. Although previous scholars have long hinted that a higher level of participation would yield a higher level of support, there is a notable absence of empirical evidence. In response, this important study investigates three interactive processes in a major Dutch city, Utrecht. The main question is: to what extent does participatory policymaking lead to greater stakeholder support in the city of Utrecht? Conclusion This study shows that there is a relationship between particpatory policymaking and support. We can even conclude that, in most cases, a higher level of participatory policymaking leads to a higher level of support among stakeholders. However, participatory policymaking is not the only variable which explains the level of support. Particularly in the first and third case study, there is an external factor with a predominant influence. The position of power of stakeholders showed a great impact on the level of participatory policymaking which directly affected the level of support. Utrecht local government seems to know what partners it needs, especially when these partners have realisation power. The position of power of stakeholders, and the dependency relationship of the local government with these stakeholders, plays a major role in determining their position on the ladder of participatory policymaking. It was not only the actual participatory policymaking process that created the support among stakeholders, but also their initial position of power in relation to Utrecht local government. What do the findings of this study mean for our understanding for future local government interest in participatory policymaking? This study showed no increase in democratic legitimacy. Participatory policymaking turned out to be a selection mechanism. It seems as if everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others. It was striking that even the city councillors played a minor role. Participatory policymaking is about a narrowing of the gap between government and the 'professional citizen'. That is, involved citizens are stakeholders who know how government thinks and acts and adjust their actions accordingly. In this study, participatory policymaking enhanced problem solving ability. No evidence was found to show that participatory policymaking speeds up the policy process. Participatory policymaking increases the support for the policy. With participatory policymaking stakeholders had the opportunity to deliver substantial input, thereby enriching the quality of the policy. However, participatory policymaking is dominantly instrumental rather than democratic