Actor Constellations

Who is governing, and how do actors’ relations shape governance processes and outcomes? Urban and regional governance is shaped by a diverse range of actors from the public, private, and civil society sectors. Yet governance research often adopts narrow or biased notions of these actors, overlooking the complexity of their profiles, ambitions, relationships, or modes of interaction. This thematic area explores the intricate dynamics of urban governance by mapping and analyzing how different actors interact and influence decision-making. Examples include policymakers, planners, investors, municipal service providers, citizen groups, and individuals. Through actor mapping and detailed relational analysis, it highlights how actors matter in shaping spatial environments and influencing contemporary governance processes.