Key Tensions in the Development of Regional Heat Infrastructure in The Netherlands: The Dilemmas of an Interorganizational Strategy Process

Arnoud R. Toering (), Toyah S. G. H. Rodhouse, Mark L. C. de Bruijne, Wijnand W. Veeneman, Aad F. Correljé and Udo Pesch
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Arnoud R. Toering: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Department of Multi Actor System, Organisation and Governance, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
Toyah S. G. H. Rodhouse: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Department of Multi Actor System, Organisation and Governance, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
Mark L. C. de Bruijne: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Department of Multi Actor System, Organisation and Governance, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
Wijnand W. Veeneman: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Department of Multi Actor System, Organisation and Governance, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
Aad F. Correljé: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Department of Values, Technology and Innovation, Economics of Technology and Innovation, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
Udo Pesch: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), Department of Values, Technology and Innovation, Ethics/Philosophy of Technology, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: The proposed solutions for sustainable development generally require new links and the involvement of multiple sectors. As a consequence, organizations can rely less on closed and rational analysis-based forms of strategizing; they increasingly see the need for joint strategy processes. However, a joint strategy process challenges the boundaries of the organizations involved, which creates tensions. This paper takes stock of conflicts and uncertainties that organizations which become involved in joint strategizing encounter. Our focal point is the sustainable development of infrastructure. We focus on an explorative single case study on the coordination of heat infrastructure development in the Regional Energy Strategy Rotterdam-The Hague (RES R-TH). The primary data were collected via three sources of information: observations from roundtable meetings, interviews with representatives of the organizations involved in the RES-TH and reflections from participants of these actors in research-led ateliers. We illuminate a wide range of tensions between organizations and identify three categories of dilemmas: input, throughput and outcome. By explicating dilemmas and identifying categories, we discard the idea that a universal solution exists for organizations engaging in joint strategizing. Instead, we provide evidence of different types of decision-making challenges, which emerges from a more granular analysis of the open strategizing process.

Keywords: energy sustainability; infrastructure; sustainable development; open strategy; interorganizational strategizing; dilemma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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