Multi-level governance and politics of innovation uptake in the water sector

摘要

Water security has arisen as a key challenge that Australia and many other countries around the world must manage more effectively. The challenge involves understanding complex multi-level governance systems and both the open and behind the scenes negotiations and political manoeuvrings that are played out between private companies, utility providers, communities and all levels of government in efforts to protect their interests. With much money being thrown at projects that may set the course of water management practice for decades to come, the stakes in the water policy game are higher than ever. This paper describes cases in Australia, China and Bulgaria where multi-level processes and struggles are occurring to define major water policy and management agendas. Descriptions and analysis are given of the interests and politics that impact on uptake of innovation, and the attainment of water secure and sustainable futures.