2026
Miren Larrea
Abstract
This booklet sets out the EKIN method for policy development through collaborative governance and action research. It is based on action research for territorial development and sets out eight steps: (a) defining the problem, (b) pilot projects, (c) mapping territorial stakeholders, (d) designing inter-organisational relationships and institutional agreements, (e) designing spaces and roles, (f) workshops for cogeneration in action, (g) monitoring and evaluation, and (h) systematisation.
The method draws inspiration from various processes, but the handbook presents as an example one in which Orkestra has worked alongside the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, in collaboration with Mondragon Unibertsitatea, the county development agencies and other territorial stakeholders (ASLE- Association of work societies of Euskadi, the Gipuzkoa Chamber of Commerce and Tknika- Basque Vocational Training Applied Research Centre). The aim of the process was to implement a policy that helps companies enable their employees to find greater meaning in their work.
The handbook is written for those who facilitate processes linked to public policy. It may be of interest to at least three groups. Firstly, those responsible for public policy at regional or sub-regional level, such as local councils, county development agencies, provincial councils and regional governments. These governments are increasingly committed to working through collaborative governance models, and this booklet can help them reflect on the how. The second group consists of researchers. They can generate new knowledge in various ways, and amongst these, participatory and action-oriented approaches are attracting growing interest. This booklet may be of assistance to researchers wishing to work in this manner. Finally, there are consultancy organisations that work with policy-makers to promote participatory methodologies, and this document can also make a contribution in this context.
