New Challenges for Asset Managers in the Danish Social Housing Sector

During the 1990s, the social housing sector in Denmark has undergone a number of changes. New trends are forcing asset managers to rethink their roles and strategies. In this changing context, asset managers have been confronted with strategic challenges on three topics: 1. New modes of tenants’ involvement. 2. New partnerships with the building industry. 3. Moving towards a European internal market of construction products. The paper explores and analyses these three challenges by drawing on a number of case studies as well as a re-analysis of current research on management of renewal and building activities in the Danish social housing sector. In conclusion, the paper urges asset managers to develop an institutional readiness for change and to become their own change agents.During the 1990s, the social housing sector in Denmark has undergone a number of changes. New trends are forcing asset managers to rethink their roles and strategies. In this changing context, asset managers have been confronted with strategic challenges on three topics: 1. New modes of tenants’ involvement. 2. New partnerships with the building industry. 3. Moving towards a European internal market of construction products. The paper explores and analyses these three challenges by drawing on a number of case studies as well as a re-analysis of current research on management of renewal and building activities in the Danish social housing sector. In conclusion, the paper urges asset managers to develop an institutional readiness for change and to become their own change agents