Polycentric governance systems: addressing the power gap centered on climate entrepreneurs in Semnan Province of Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT Polycentric governance systems seek to solve environmental challenges through the involvement of diverse actors at different decision-making levels. However, previous studies did not confirm the positive performance of polycentric governance in social interactions with certainty. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the capacity and performance of current actors and units to understand their impact on the performance of polycentric governance systems perspective as a whole. For this purpose, this study investigated the theory of polycentric governance systems on a large scale in Semnan province of Iran. The social network analysis (SNA) and its 12 indices were used as a methodology of research, including 352 heterogeneous actors with different capacities, were interviewed and studied. The results showed that the power and leadership of key actors play an effective role in the stability and development of polycentric governance systems. The power sharing between decision-making centers is implemented through the interlevel communication of climate entrepreneurs. The comparison of performances showed that public management could not meet the leadership criteria as well as private actors. The final results showed that the total performance of the polycentric governance system of environment was positive and influenced by the performance of pioneer NGOs and climate entrepreneurs.