Strategies “for” versus strategies “against”. The influence of rural residents on the planning of locally desired and undesired investments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/bgss-2026-0012Abstract
The article deals with mechanisms of rural residents' influence on decision-making in matters of locating locally desirable and undesirable investments, using the concept of citizen lobbying. The aim of the study was to determine the features of a range of citizenry lobbying responses in support of certain proposed local investments and in opposition to others, and the differences therein. The primary method was a comparative analysis of strategies implemented by local citizen groups either supporting or opposing local investment proposals. The analysis was conducted based on responses to surveys conducted in 140 municipalities to reveal the scope of actions undertaken by local lobbyists. In-depth interviews in eight case studies enabled comparison of lobbying strategies that included: type of leader, ways of involving residents and other actors, ways of communicating with decision-makers/investor, and the effects of these actions. ...
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