Deltares is a globally recognized independent institute for applied research in the field of water and subsurface. By sharing our knowledge and expertise combined with the development of software products we aim at enabling delta life. Water resources systems are complex and encompass a variety of competing technical, ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Often experts and stakeholders do not fully understand or cannot agree upon the reasons why water-related challenges occur, let alone upon the actions that should be taken to adapt to or mitigate their impacts. Collaborative modelling is an appropriate solution to contribute to the achievement of Deltares' mission and enhance the societal impact of our work.
Deltares employs collaborative modelling to serve several different objectives. The inclusion of stakeholder perspectives and knowledge can help to broaden system understanding, integrate cross-sector interests and lead to improved model quality, credibility and acceptance. The development and use of simple and user-friendly modelling, communication and visualisation tools can directly facilitate stakeholder learning regarding the problem under consideration and the impacts of any suggested solutions. Moreover, the discussions and negotiations taking place during these approaches can help to establish a shared stakeholder understanding of the problem, build consensus and cooperation, and even mediate conflicts. Collaborative modelling can also thereby directly strengthen decision making processes, leading to more acceptable and implementable strategic plans.
Through the collaborative modelling of water-related problems, risks, and potential solutions, Deltares aims to directly enhance the planning and decision making capacity of water users, decision makers, and other stakeholders. The combination of both expert technical and local forms of knowledge shapes the basis of our collaborative modelling approaches. Through frequent, interactive and facilitated workshops, we create transparent platforms for knowledge sharing and the balancing of competing stakeholder interests. Moreover, by directly involving stakeholders in the design, construction and use of the modelling tools, we build stakeholder trust, understanding and sense of ownership over the developed tools, which lead to their continued use by stakeholders after the conclusion to the planning project.
Why collaborative modeling and how it is implemented ?
Collaborative modeling promotes the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis and assessment of policy options. Water resources systems are complex and encompass a variety of competing technical, ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Often experts and stakeholders do not fully understand or cannot agree upon the reasons why water-related challenges occur, let alone upon the actions that should be taken to adapt to or mitigate their impacts. Ownership and acceptance of strategic plans by national and local authorities are critical preconditions for ensuring sustainable development objectives are met. Deltares’ collaborative modelling approaches offer an effective means to address and resolve these knowledge- and values-based conflicts between experts, water users, stakeholders and decision makers. They consist of interactive and iterative processes for decision support that combine stakeholder engagement with analytical modelling, visualisation and communication tools.
