A support system for mediating brownfields redevelopment negotiations

Purpose To present a support system which will be useful to mediators of brownfield redevelopment negotiations between government and industry representatives. Design/methodology/approach The support system optimizes a weighted utility function of the parties involved in the negotiation. It provides not only the optimal solution but also some sensitivity reports which the mediator can use to lead the negotiations in the most effective direction. Findings The spreadsheet technology is sufficient to solve the optimization problem and produce sensitivity reports in real time. Consequently, a mediator equipped with a laptop computer can lead the negotiations efficiently. Research limitations/implications It is possible to achieve Pareto optimal contingent contracts among the stakeholders of brownfield redevelopment projects. Practical implications Many negotiations that were stalled in the past could be completed successfully using the support system presented here. New negotiations might be completed more efficiently than without the system. Originality/value This is the first paper to offer detailed guidance to mediators of brownfield redevelopment projects.