12
In terms of empirical material, the fi ve case studies of Baltic Sea environmental
governance (Fig. 1.2 ) were based on a combination of several types of data sources
acquired during 2009–2014: text analysis of key documents, interviews of key
informants and roundtables. The case study work was organised in three consecutive steps guided by the analytical framework.
First, linked to each case study (cf. Fig. 1.2 ), a cross-disciplinary team of
researchers (e.g. based in environmental science, ecotoxicology, environmental
sociology, political science or media and communication studies) conducted a
review of secondary material (existing empirical literature on each focused Baltic
Sea environmental problem ), as well as of primary sources such as documents and
data bases on governance structures, problem assessment and stakeholder communication processes.
Second, each case study research team conducted interviews – approximately 15
per case – with key experts representing governmental and non-governmental
organisations, comprising important parts of the governance structure of each issue
area. The interviews were semi-structured (approx. 1–2 h) and developed in close
collaboration with the different case study teams to facilitate comparability.
Third, to facilitate cross-case comparisons, three joint thematic round-table discussions (on regional governance structures, scientifi c knowledge and uncertainty
and stakeholder participation and communication) were arranged in collaboration
among all case study teams to get further input on similarities and differences
among cases from experts, decision-makers and other stakeholders.
Table 1.1 Key research issues and environmental governance challenges linked to the studied
dimensions of Baltic Sea environmental governance
Governance dimensions
Identifi ed main governance
challenges
Key research issues
Multi-level and
multi-sectoral
governance structures
Diffi culties to establish
adequate regional cross-sectoral
collaboration
Governmental organisations and
networks
Non-governmental organisations
and networks
Key policy documents and
regulatory frameworks
Multi-level and multi-sector
interactions
Assessment –
management processes
and interactions
Diffi culties to cope with
uncertainties, ambiguities and
complexities in environmental
governance
Organisation of science-policy
interactions; role of sciencebased advice
Coping with uncertainty and
disagreements
Stakeholder participation
and communication
Diffi culties in developing
communication and knowledge
sharing among key stakeholder
groups
Problem and media framing
Arrangements for stakeholder/
public involvement and
communication
M. Gilek et al.
In terms of empirical material, the fi ve case studies of Baltic Sea environmental
governance (Fig. 1.2 ) were based on a combination of several types of data sources
acquired during 2009–2014: text analysis of key documents, interviews of key
informants and roundtables. The case study work was organised in three consecutive steps guided by the analytical framework.
First, linked to each case study (cf. Fig. 1.2 ), a cross-disciplinary team of
researchers (e.g. based in environmental science, ecotoxicology, environmental
sociology, political science or media and communication studies) conducted a
review of secondary material (existing empirical literature on each focused Baltic
Sea environmental problem ), as well as of primary sources such as documents and
data bases on governance structures, problem assessment and stakeholder communication processes.
Second, each case study research team conducted interviews – approximately 15
per case – with key experts representing governmental and non-governmental
organisations, comprising important parts of the governance structure of each issue
area. The interviews were semi-structured (approx. 1–2 h) and developed in close
collaboration with the different case study teams to facilitate comparability.
Third, to facilitate cross-case comparisons, three joint thematic round-table discussions (on regional governance structures, scientifi c knowledge and uncertainty
and stakeholder participation and communication) were arranged in collaboration
among all case study teams to get further input on similarities and differences
among cases from experts, decision-makers and other stakeholders.
Table 1.1 Key research issues and environmental governance challenges linked to the studied
dimensions of Baltic Sea environmental governance
Governance dimensions
Identifi ed main governance
challenges
Key research issues
Multi-level and
multi-sectoral
governance structures
Diffi culties to establish
adequate regional cross-sectoral
collaboration
Governmental organisations and
networks
Non-governmental organisations
and networks
Key policy documents and
regulatory frameworks
Multi-level and multi-sector
interactions
Assessment –
management processes
and interactions
Diffi culties to cope with
uncertainties, ambiguities and
complexities in environmental
governance
Organisation of science-policy
interactions; role of sciencebased advice
Coping with uncertainty and
disagreements
Stakeholder participation
and communication
Diffi culties in developing
communication and knowledge
sharing among key stakeholder
groups
Problem and media framing
Arrangements for stakeholder/
public involvement and
communication
M. Gilek et al.