How scale matters in joint knowledge production for nature-based solutions: Dynamic proximity among stakeholders in climate adaptive water management for brook catchment Aa, the Netherlands

The question ‘how scale matters’ from experienced policy makers in adaptive water management
motivated us to explore the issue. In search for climate resilience of brook catchments
stakeholders collaborate. Those collaborations involve dynamic proximity, giving rise to innovative,
creative solutions using natural hydrological and landscape processes. Dynamic proximity is
known from innovation research in the field of high-tech regional economic development. The
question is whether dynamic proximity among stakeholders influences success of joint knowledge
production (JKP) processes as well. We focus on a more nature-tech context of regional economic
development: creating nature-based solutions (NbS) to support climate resilience. The conceptual
model to study the creative process of JKP combines the four dimensions of JKP with four forms of
dynamic proximity. Along this matrix quotes of stakeholders were analysed from seven semistructured
interviews. At least one stakeholder in the process for the brook-restoration of the Aa
(the Netherlands) was selected from industry, academia, government and non-profit organizations
(following the ‘quadruple helix model’). Findings show that stakeholders who are versatile in using
various forms of social, cognitive, institutional and geographical dynamic proximity in the process
of JKP experience the process as more successful. Moreover, stakeholders overdoing the
institutional or geographical aspects of proximity run into adverse effects, a mechanism
recognized in economic geography as the proximity paradox. Furthermore, stakeholders are
better supported when they use knowledge instruments, but only when keeping in mind the
balance of forms of dynamic proximity. Findings were validated against two stakeholders’
experiences in another process for the Aa of Weerijs (the Netherlands). We suggest refining the
model by adding two forms of dynamic proximity relating to interests and to resources, enabling a
sharper focus on knowledge production under the heading of cognitive proximity. So, scale
matters in such rural, natural processes. The perspective on proximity helps innovation, if
proximity among stakeholders does not become too proximate. We have summarised findings in
the form of a proximity tool, which is useful for optimizing the science-policy interface in regional
adaptive water management.
How to cite: Brok, E., Floor, J., van Lamoen, F., and Lansu, A.: How scale matters in joint knowledge production for nature-based solutions. Dynamic proximity among stakeholders in climate adaptive water management for brook catchment Aa, the Netherlands, EGU General Assembly 2021, online, 19–30 Apr 2021, EGU21-8514, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-8514, 2021.