Tools for Transformative Social-Ecological Infrastructure

The social-ecological transformation of mobility systems poses major challenges for local and regional governance, as entrenched institutional structures, political incentives, and vested interests often impede change beyond technical solutions. This paper presents findings from the exploratory research project “LEIWAND – Lokale Entscheidungen für den sozial-ökologischen Infrastrukturwandel” (Local decisions for social-ecological infrastructure transformation), which develops a governance-oriented toolbox for decision making with regard to infrastructure decisions. Based on two case studies in Austria and a review of international good practices, the project analyses political-economic decision-making dynamics in transport and land-use planning. Building on these insights, the paper introduces tools that propose new and adapted process elements – such as transparency mechanisms, funding and alternative deliberation – to support more inclusive, transparent, and transformation-capable decision-making in mobility governance.