The Application of a Process Approach to the National Governance System for Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Romania

Abstract

This paper aims to present a new manner of describing and managing the national governance framework for “sustainable development (SD)”, focused on a process-based approach. This principle was applied in previous work by the authors related to the key processes of the United Nations governance for SD. The present paper continues the process approach of multi-level governance, aiming to contribute to the conceptualization of governance systems for SD at the national level, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda, taking into account the harmonization with higher levels of governance. The workpaper presents in distinct sections: a review of publications related to the national framework of governance for SD; the overall picture of the national SD governance system, with the generic definition of key processes; a case study performed in Romania; and a conclusion. The novelty of this paper consists of the new model tool proposed by the authors and its application in a study case that illustrates the benefits of such an approach. The proposed model is useful to SD experts and governing bodies, as well as academics and researchers, creating the framework for developing and improving SD governance at the country level in a systematic manner.