We examine the institutions, social processes and tools needed by the public sector and by society at large to be able to grasp emerging opportunities and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The public sector requires the capacity for long-term and integrative assessment and decision-making and the ability to operate effectively in situations of high uncertainty. New forms of participatory governance with the active involvement of stakeholders and communities are also critical if NZ society is to come to grips with complex, high-stake problems and achieve widespread commitment to solutions.

Our research develops, tests and evaluate tools and guidelines to support these outcomes. In so doing we also increase our understanding of the drivers and barriers to developing more effective and participatory governance and social processes.