Network Governance Approach: Collaboration Practices between NGOs and Local Governments in Rural Areas in Latvia

AUTHOR(S):

Dina Bite, Zenija Kruzmetra, Janis Kusis

TITLE

Network Governance Approach: Collaboration Practices between NGOs and Local Governments in Rural Areas in Latvia

ABSTRACT

Shrinking and depopulation processes in Latvian rural territories are asking for non-conventional solutions in order to keep rural areas alive. Therefore, different forms and practices of collaboration and network governance have been developing in rural territories lately. Relations between non-governmental organizations and local governments are crucial for implementing new ideas and improving place development. The research, done in a qualitative manner of social investigations, identifies four typical models of relations between NGOs and local governments in rural territories of Latvia and confirms theoretical statements of network governance approach. Research results strongly emphasize necessity and importance of society-centred approach in place development where the network governance approach serves as a tool for giving voice and involving different social agents in a shared network.

KEYWORDS

sustainable territorial development, society-centred development, collaborative governance, place development

Cite this paper

Dina Bite, Zenija Kruzmetra, Janis Kusis. (2019) Network Governance Approach: Collaboration Practices between NGOs and Local Governments in Rural Areas in Latvia. International Journal of Economics and Management Systems, 4, 19-28