Mapping Stakeholders’ Relating Pathways in Collaborative Planning Processes; A Longitudinal Case Study of an Urban Regeneration Partnership

This article reports on a longitudinal case study of stakeholders’ relating dynamics in the collaborative planning process concerning the urban regeneration of Katendrecht, an area located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Findings challenge the focus – typical for collaborative planning literature – on an ‘ideal’ relational setting, characterized by consensus and joint-ness, as a necessary precursor for collaborative success. Analysis reveals the relevance of a ‘hybrid’ relational setting and the potential functionality of relational settings, which emphasize organizational autonomy. Also, analysis shows that relations change through the accumulation of different events, i.e. scaffolding, rather than by single, specific events. Finally, findings point out how in particular group composition/dynamics events impact on stakeholder relations.