Robustness and the study of hybrid governance

Abstract

The chapter introduces the concept of robustness to the study of hybrid governance. Robust governance combines insights from the literature on both resilience and agility while simultaneously advancing our understanding of what it takes to respond effectively and legitimately to turbulence. The essence of robustness is the balance of continuity and change and requisite flexibility. Robustness refers to the ability of a particular unit to continue to uphold some core functions, purposes and values and/or maintain key structural or operational architectures in the face of disruptive perturbations by means of adaptation and innovation. The chapter briefly introduces robustness and outlines three basic conditions for robustness: systemic-centred, institution-centred and actor-centred conditions. The chapter also discusses the possibility of designing robustness by outlining two general propositions: a reform-optimistic approach focusing on institution-centred and actor-centred conditions for robustness, and a reform-pessimistic approach focusing on systemic-centred conditions.