Policy experimentation within flood risk management: Transition pathways in Austria

Flood risk management (FRM) is facing various challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity losses. Traditional structural FRM measures are now not always feasible responses to these challenges. One answer might be the use of policy experiments promote innovation. This paper aims assess explain why innovations in rarely implemented. We analysed seven innovative strategies across Austria that combine several different approaches. Each concerned with reduction systems designed save space, time possible rising costs. The research used 76 qualitative standardised semi-structured interviews key experts conducted between 2012 2021 order examine transition pathways through time. results show there exist numerous drivers barriers debating, designing implementing innovations. capture nevertheless shows system shift from a more traditional understanding towards transformative path, which created new understandings role actors well institutional settings. However, were still led by relevant public administrations they main funders, principal planning implementation phases realisation many