Collaborative Governance in Portugal? A Critical Perspective Based on an Empirical Survey

Abstract

Collaborative governance can be defined as a concerted type of decision-making and collective action in which government bodies and private sector stakeholders interact as equal partners with the aim of achieving outcomes of interest for both parties. Academic authors in favour of the adoption of collaborative governance in Portugal tend to present a rather positive view on its merits. They argue that it is potentially the best approach to address the heavily bureaucratic and paternalistic traits of Portuguese planning.
This is against the view of authors who – as ourselves – consider collaborative governance potentially problematic for the public interest. One can argue that collaborative governance has become in fact a surreptitious tool for the advancement of neoliberal goals. This debate raises a dilemma: should or should not collaborative governance be adopted by Portuguese local authorities
in matters related with spatial planning? Based on an online survey, this research portrays the perceptions held by planners and planningrelated professionals (e.g. planning academics, consultants) and some political decision-makers about collaborative governance in Portuguese local authorities. The empirical results suggest that, in general terms, these individuals consider
collaborative governance capable of delivering a number of positive outcomes, but is also associated with risks for the public interest. It is therefore important to conduct further research so that an appropriate legal framework can be developed.