Architecture, Building and Planning - Theses

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    Institutionalising governance experiments in cities that lack a metropolitan government: Lessons learnt from 100 Resilient Cities initiative in Melbourne, Sydney, and Christchurch
    Nguyen, Thi Minh Phuong ( 2023-07)
    This thesis investigates the institutionalisation of governance experiments, specifically focusing on the context of cities that lack a metropolitan government. The thesis draws upon the 100 Resilient Cities [100RC] network as the primary context of research. It employs a qualitative research methodology with the application of a multiple-case study research design, focusing on the three case studies of Living Melbourne (Resilient Melbourne), Resilient Sydney, and Resilient Greater Christchurch as governance experiments initiated via the 100RC network. To address the aim of this research, a novel analytical framework is developed, drawing upon the sustainability transitions literature. This framework centres on the notion of 'beyond experiments' and two key conceptual foundations: the role of urban governance context (specifically cities lacking a metropolitan government) and the role of city networks. The framework is subsequently applied to analyse the selected case studies, providing empirical evidence for the research. This research finds that the institutionalisation of governance experiments occurs in cities that lack a metropolitan government by generating lasting changes within urban governance, particularly around two key domains: ways of thinking and ways of organising. However, it argues that most changes generated via institutionalisation are predominantly incremental and reformistic in nature. They are rarely sufficiently transformative to bring about substantial urban sustainability transitions. In addition, this research identifies key factors that influence the extent of institutionalisation, which include: (1) existing metropolitan governance conditions (with the absence of a metropolitan government), (2) internal conditions of governance experiments, and (3) city networks (albeit to a limited degree). This research concludes that governance experiments can support the development of new approaches to urban sustainability. Nevertheless, the institutionalisation of these experiments requires considerable governance commitment, leadership, and collaborative efforts to embed these new approaches.