Analysis of Cross-sectoral Networks in Local Sustainable Development Projects in Japan

In this thesis, cross-sectoral networks among government, industry and citizen sectors in two Japanese local sustainable development projects introduced bioenergy will be analyzed and discussed. The research and analysis focus on the contributions by local cross-sectoral networks in the projects. As a result of case studies, the local cross-sectoral networks showed their strengths in interpretation of sustainable development in their local and sectoral contexts based on their understandings of local economy, environment, society, culture, local problems and assets. The discussion process among the network actors added different values to their activities and increased the importance of the projects among them. Trust among network actors and community vitalization were observed to be important outcomes from their networking processes. In these two cases, local network actors showed considerable potential to play leading roles in planning and implementing sustainable development projects. On the other hand, capacity building among local officials to raise their understanding of sustainable development is increasingly important. Local sustainable development programs in Japan are still in the beginning phase, therefore experiences and studies of cross-sectoral networks in Swedish municipalities and other European countries could be helpful precedents. At the same time, other case studies of cross-sectoral networks remark that embedded risks can arise as the projects proceed. Further study with a long term perspective is necessary.