skip to Main Content

Explaining Variation in the Effectiveness of Transnational Energy Partnerships

Szulecki, Kacper, Philipp Pattberg, and Frank Biermann. 2011. Explaining Variation in the Effectiveness of Transnational Energy Partnerships. Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institutions, 24 (4): 713-736.

Abstract

This article analyzes the effectiveness of transnational multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development — also known as “Type II outcomes” of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development — in the sustainable energy sector. We combine quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitatively, we use a database of 340 partnerships, including 46 partnerships that focus on energy. Our qualitative analysis includes case studies of five partnerships that appear as the most effective and five that are operational but only with modest degrees of effectiveness. We study two competing hypotheses. The first, rooted in institutionalism, assumes that variation in effectiveness is related to organizational structures and procedures. The competing hypothesis emphasizes the power of actors and expects partnerships that involve key business actors and powerful Northern states to perform better. We conclude that the level of institutionalization is most important in explaining effectiveness, while powerful partners and the type of internal organization may further enhance effectiveness.

You might like these publication categories

Recent publications

2022 Annual Report

Curious to know about the various parts of the Earth System Governance Project, and what has been achieved in 2022?…

Global Shifts: Business, Politics, and Deforestation in a Changing World Economy

What global shifts in markets and power mean for the politics and governance of sustainability. In recent years, major shifts…

Earth System Governance – Volume 16

We are delighted to present the sixteenth volume of Earth System Governance, the new open-access journal for all those interested…