The Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement report is a key component of the ENTRACK project, designed to guide inclusive and effective engagement with stakeholders in clean energy policy-making. By mapping out and analysing a diverse array of actors, including government agencies, private companies, academic institutions, and local communities, this report establishes a collaborative framework for addressing energy transition needs across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Through clear and adaptive pathways for engagement, the ENTRACK project seeks to drive coordinated policy-making that supports clean and just energy transitions.
Purpose and Significance
The Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement report serves a dual purpose: to create an in-depth analysis of relevant stakeholders and to design flexible engagement pathways that evolve with the project’s goals. This approach ensures that each stakeholder’s voice is recognized and that their unique insights and levels of interest and influence are leveraged to achieve ENTRACK’s mission. This structured and adaptive engagement model is essential to promoting a sustainable energy future for the Mediterranean.
The production of the Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement report was expertly led by NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA)
Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis
The Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement’s methodology involved mapping and analysing national, regional and local stakeholders from the quadruple helix (public and private sectors, academia, and citizens) based on their interests and influence in co-designing social energy policies.
- Identification and Description: Stakeholders were categorized by typology groups and analysed regarding their roles, interests, and current actions in energy transition efforts.
- Mapping and Analysing: Each stakeholder was positioned on a map based on their interest and influence, creating a visual guide for prioritizing engagement efforts.
- Establishing Engagement Pathways: The scoring from the stakeholder analysis was used to select key stakeholders for interviews and participation in the initial MRP meetings. Stakeholders were mapped onto various engagement pathways, reflecting different levels and types of engagement, ensuring tailored involvement in the project.
- Continuous Evaluation and Mapping: As stakeholder engagement progressed through interviews and initial MRP meetings, stakeholders were re-assessed. This will be done regularly to maintain flexibility and responsiveness and ensure that engagement pathways evolve alongside the project.
The map of methodological approach can be found below:
Six Tailored Pathways of Engagement
The Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement report identifies six distinct pathways for stakeholder engagement, each tailored to meet the needs of different groups and support ENTRACK’s goals effectively:
- Interviews: A comprehensive interview series with stakeholders across regions to capture their insights on local energy challenges, priorities, and opportunities.
- Municipality–Region Partnerships (MRP): Regular co-design meetings with diverse groups from public, private, academic, and civil society sectors, focusing on collaborative energy policy-making.
- Community of Practice (CoP): National groups facilitating shared learning and alignment on policy initiatives, creating a united front on energy transition within each country.
- Climate Explorers: A volunteer-driven pathway that gathers insights directly from communities, reflecting the experiences and needs of local residents in rural areas.
- Advisory Board: Comprising European experts, the Advisory Board offers strategic guidance to ensure ENTRACK’s methodologies and outcomes are impactful and sustainable.
- Sister Projects: Collaborations with other EU-funded projects foster knowledge-sharing and extend ENTRACK’s influence within the broader EU energy network.
A Dynamic, Adaptive Engagement Model
The Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement report emphasizes adaptive engagement to accommodate changing project needs and stakeholder dynamics. Forty-five stakeholder typologies were identified, mostly covering the public and private sectors, academia, NGOs, and citizens. The results highlight the prevalence of public sector stakeholders, while academia is less represented. Key players, particularly influential public bodies, will be engaged continuously, while pathways like Climate Explorers ensure grassroots involvement, representing community and vulnerable voices.
To access, read, or download the comprehensive Stakeholder Matrix and Pathways of Engagement report, click on the image below:
