Sustainability, innovation and participatory governance. A cross-national study of the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

Abstract:

This work arises from a research project funded by the EU Commission which sought to discover the circumstances under which participatory governance led to sustainable and innovative outcomes.

The book is organised over ten chapters. Following a comprehensive introduction chapter two presents a clarification of key expressions and related theories and concepts. Chapter three concentrates on the development of EMAS at the EU level and questions arising from participatory governance arrangements and the impact of Article 19 of the EMAS regulation of 1993. The administrative systems established in three Member States - the UK, Germany and Greece - are the focus of chapters four, six and eight whilst chapters five, seven and nine introduce case studies at the site/company level. These examine the environment management systems at work and the conditions which might encourage or obstruct participation as well as provide sustainable and innovative outcomes. The final chapter discusses the extent to which EMAS has contributed to or fostered participatory governance leading to sustainable and innovative outcomes. It offers some signposts as to the way forward both by way of European, national and organisation/site level and for different kinds of actors - government organisations, NGOs, trade unions and the business sector.

The work will interest scholars, students, policy researchers and practitioners engaged in the fields of Political Sciences, Environmental Management and Public Administration.

Hubert Heinelt is Professor of Political Science at Darmstadt University of Technology.

Randall Smith is Senior Research Fellow at the School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol.