Governance and Equity

This Research Community has developed a political economy framework to guide its research and practice, which draws on existing theories and conceptual frameworks eg on political economy, multi-level, and polycentric governance. Such approaches embrace complexity, and so are fundamental to provide deep and contextualised understandings of the topics we are working on, enabling us to think politically, and to provide workable and equitable solutions.

The Governance and Equity Research Community examines the political economy, governance, and policy challenges faced by LICs and LMICs in pursuing inclusive, equitable and climate-compatible growth. It builds on research and partnerships established in CCG’s first phase and reflects the lessons learned during that period. This Research Community will have a deeper focus on equity, informed by CCG’s strategies on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and political economy.

In responding to the needs of our partners, This Community focuses on supporting place-based infrastructure decisions considering various high-income economic opportunities (HIEOs) such as mining, green hydrogen, and data centres which can strengthen local resilience, and promote area-based economic development while accounting for diverse interests. Our work accounts for essential energy infrastructure, its services, and the energy-intensive economic activities which often anchor these systems.

This research examines power dynamics and decision-making processes that influence low-carbon transitions, with a focus on institutional frameworks, economic interests, and local decision making. By evaluating diverse perspectives on future sustainable energy and transport systems, the research focuses on supporting the local development of effective strategies and policies across governance levels (subnational, national, global). The approach aims to strengthen community resilience and ensure fair outcomes for marginalized communities.

We work a lot in the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion space. You can find out more about CCG’s activity supporting women, people with disabilities and other marginalised communities here.

Transforming Research into Art: Smoke Jumpers

On 19 May 2023 Art & Science Films Afrika’s extraordinary film ‘Smoke Jumpers’ had its premier. It was inspired by research undertaken by CCG’s Rebecca Clube on traditional cooking materials (charcoal). It brings Kenyan spiritual rituals together with the contradictions and threats to women of charcoal burning and climate change. Commissioned by Invisible Dust [www.invisibledust.com] and UCL, it was funded by the Climate Compatible Growth programme

Watch Smoke Jumpers here.