Economic crisis and social learning for the provision of public services in two Spanish municipalities

Abstract

Economic crises pose challenges for the provision of public services but may also open up opportunities for social learning about how to achieve a sustainable society. The main research question addressed in this paper is: can economic crises catalyse social learning for a sustainable society? The hypothesis of the paper is that social learning emerges in association with the reduction of consumption levels that follows degrowth or with the reconfiguration of infrastructure management practices and sustainable innovation that could lead to a transition to sustainability. Following this, we empirically examine whether the crisis has led to social learning about the sustainable provision of public services in two similar municipalities in the north of Spain after the economic crisis of 2008. We develop an interpretative analysis of individual experiences of learning from the crisis using a set of qualitative interviews with individuals who were involved in key decisions about public service delivery during or immediately after the crisis. The analysis suggests that there has been a broader cultural change, which is challenging institutional models of regional development, that there has been a drive towards greater resource efficiency and that some opportunities have opened for entrepreneurs to develop sustainable innovations. The findings support the view that the crisis may have fostered learning responses that could lead to either degrowth or a sustainable transition.

Transformative capacity and local action for urban sustainability

“…While this suggests that a component such as reflexivity and social learning may be a useful indicator of initiatives with a higher ability to deliver urban transformations, more information is needed on initiatives that explicitly address that component. This finding aligns with several other works that point towards the centrality of social learning processes to efforts to carry out urban transformations (Bos et al 2013 ; Mieg and Töpfer 2013 ; Nevens et al 2013 ; Castán Broto et al 2014 ; Castán Broto and Dewberry 2016 ). In contrast, the results show weak evidence of the role of intermediaries, despite being prominent actors in transition studies (Hamann and April 2013 ).…”

Brakes to the diffusion of a two‐sided social innovation: A case study on microinvestors' perspectives

“…Concerning the diffusion process, the acceleration experienced both during the first years of the CIGALES movement (1985–1987 and, with some ups and downs, till 1992) and the resurgence experienced since the 2008 financial crisis, seems to be related to the exogenous shocks. Crises lead to the questioning of attitudes and beliefs, and may lead to institutional change (Castán Broto & Dewberry, 2016) but may also lead to inertia or temporary adjustments (Albala‐Bertrand, 2000; Stål, 2015). Therefore, a crisis may be an opportunity for a change or for advocacy of a change (Schneider, Kallis, & Martinez‐Alier, 2010).…”

“…This initial thrust of the social innovators emanates from a crisis which makes them question existing regulations, norms, cultures, and practices, and propose alternative ways of doing things (Castán Broto & Dewberry, 2016). However, to inform the society and bring onboard multiple actors, they need to engage in marketing.…”

Logistics Services Sector and Economic Recession in Greece: Challenges and Opportunities

“…. in terms of falling GDP [Gross Domestic Product], lack of capital liquidity and high inflation or deflation" [14]. The global financial crisis of 2008 which impacted Greece has resulted in a long-term severe national economic recession that further exerts pressure on the Greek industrial sectors [15].…”