A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNANCE NETWORKS ON INCLUSIVE OUTCOMES IN MERWE-VIERHAVENS

Innovation districts have gained attention in the field of urban economics for the past decades. In those geographic areas located at the core of cities, governmental institutions, companies, civil organizations and research institutions collaborate in a Quadruple Helix model to trigger innovation and economic prosperity. Multiple studies have investigated the impact of innovation districts on exclusion and inequalities, due to the clustering of a highly skilled workforce and processes of urban transformation. Nonetheless, it is not yet known whether governance networks arrangement influence inclusion. This research questions the sufficiency/necessity relationship between democratic performance of governance networks and inclusive outcomes in innovation districts, with the case of Merwe-Vierhavens in Rotterdam. This study is informed by a document review and interviews with local stakeholders. The analysis showed that the occurrence of meta-governance, accountability and representativeness contribute to the democratic performance of the network and channel process-based inclusion. Specifically, the dominance of meta-governance over the two other variables exposes the presence of the shadow of a government hierarchy, highlighting the tension between organic and planned development. Empirical evidence suggests that inclusion challenges observed in M4H originate from the struggle to connect with surrounding areas, the rise of real estate prices and the mismatch of skills between historical workforce of the port and innovative industries. Nevertheless, social organizations and cultural venues foster the inclusion of residents in the development of M4H. The Municipality also collaborates with local companies to enhance inclusion through education and skills by providing training to potential workers. The results of the study conclude that if there is evidence that the democratic performance of the network has a positive influence on inclusive outcomes, this is not a sufficient condition. Other necessary conditions for inclusive outcomes were shown such as control over housing prices, ensuring a socio-spatial link with surrounding areas through urban amenities and the presence of art and culture facilities. Building on the empirical findings, this study suggests three recommendations for practitioners to ensure inclusion in the future.