A quick scan for infrastructure planning: screening alternatives through interactive stakeholder analysis

Abstract

Neglect of stakeholder values is considered to be a main source of opposition and resistance to new infrastructure in the Netherlands. A new way of dealing with stakeholder values is needed. In the initial problem definition phase, quickly acquiring the essential strategic information and insight into which part of the public will be highly involved is considered to be strategically important. The quick scan approach assists planners to define a problem and reduce uncertainty. Stakeholder values are central elements in the design, and stakeholders should be actively involved. The proposed quick scan gives speed (time) and transparency to the problem specification process, and can be used to assess and pre-select promising alternatives. Moreover, its use allows active stakeholder participation in the decision-making process by disclosing the relevant information to everyone involved.