Sustainable local development

a framework for local transformation based on social networks

Abstract

With the increase in health and environmental crises, the regional development has been undergoing changes. The Donut Model advocates a review of societal priorities by including three dimensions of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a framework for local transformation based on sustainable communities with a two-stage case study undertaken on the collective movement POA Inquieta. In the first stage, a quantitative approach was adopted using social network analysis. In the second stage, qualitative evidence was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with central and peripheral actors of the case. The resulting local transformation framework has five pillars of networked social relations (communication, resources, common goals, involvement, and norms) and three drivers of collective action (political participation, including development, and diversity). The framework is expected to contribute to studies of sustainable regional development and to the practice of collective movements for local transformation.

Keywords: Sustainable development. Local Transformation. Donut Economy. Network Analysis. POA Inquieta.