Actor analysis methodology

Abstract

The purpose of this methodology is to offer the actor analysis method to users from the area of policy development and enable application of the method in resolving concrete decision-making issues in the public domain. It aims to provide clear, step by step guidance for the analysis procedure, from problem definition and identification of social groups (actors), through a description of their characteristics to the proposal of practical solutions. Actor analysis primarily explores the social aspect of political debate in regional sustainable development. It is a tool for analysing the relationships among involved social actors, their different interests, roles, influence on development in the area of interest and related social capital within the overall networks of cooperation/competition. A clear understanding of the social environment allows the strengthening of desirable relations and reduction of potential conflicts. The presented methodology can thus help facilitate negotiation and governance processes, especially when different viewpoints, approaches, or practical concerns are anticipated, and a solution should be found in a participatory way. It can also be used for teaching purposes. At a practical level, it can serve to support environmental governance at local or regional level, but it is not limited to a specific field of application. Actor analysis is primarily future oriented, so the methodology can be successfully applied in planning and strategic decision making in various fields and social environments.