Multi-stakeholder engagement

Abstract

Abstract With the method of the social network analyses, the STOP project is investigating social structures and alliances among stakeholders, by using social theory, network and graph theory. The stakeholder engagement process is an integral component of the project. One of the main aims of this process is to recommend to national authorities and the European Commission a sustainability plan for future stakeholder engagement in the area of childhood obesity. To this end, we would like to better understand stakeholders' views and positions (such as willingness, knowledge and trust for collaboration) and get feedback on the project processes and outcomes. Analytical results show that following moderated discussions, consensus papers are often the main outputs of the stakeholders’ platforms, and a limited number of organisations dominate the membership of the platforms, with private organisations often having stronger representation. The aim of the stakeholders’ dialogues is to discuss policies and measures related to childhood obesity and, with the input of different sectors, contribute to identifying possible policy solutions and reflect on the work of the STOP project. Concepts of power; transparency and trust; the importance of evidence and different definitions and perceptions of the evidence; and political will and empowerment all appeared as important in the dialogues. Equity and sustainability issues were also brought in the debate. Non-formal stakeholders are less represented at the EU level, so certain views and approaches are absent from EU debates. Therefore, we plan to explore and identify promising means of the engagement of all different stakeholder groups in a transparent, trustful and constructive approach.