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Boundary work to what end? Analysing the acid mine drainage case in Gauteng, South Africa

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  • Nikki Funke
  • Dave Huitema
  • Arthur Petersen

Abstract

This article contributes a boundary work analysis of the case of acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa to the existing boundary work literature. We conduct our analysis by applying a synthesized multi-level boundary work framework to examine whether the knowledge that was produced during the boundary work conducted was usable and influential in decision-making and resulted in successful policy implementation. We conclude that contrary to expectations, a closed, technocratic boundary work process resulted in the relatively successful implementation of a short-term intervention in the AMD problem, whereas a subsequent open and deliberative process did not result in the successful implementation of the long-term policy solution. We ascribe this finding to the influence of critical enabling and constraining factors characterizing the South African socio-political context within which the AMD issue is situated, and therefore, we recommend adding a meta-analytical layer to boundary work analyses, especially in developing country contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikki Funke & Dave Huitema & Arthur Petersen, 2024. "Boundary work to what end? Analysing the acid mine drainage case in Gauteng, South Africa," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 51(3), pages 393-405.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:51:y:2024:i:3:p:393-405.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/scipol/scad078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Danielle K Jensen-Ryan & Laura A German, 2019. "Environmental science and policy: A meta-synthesis of case studies on boundary organizations and spanning processes," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 46(1), pages 13-27.
    2. Koch, Susanne, 2018. "“Identifying enabling factors of science-policy interaction in a developing country context: A case study of South Africa's environment sector”," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 36-45.
    3. Rob Hoppe & Anna Wesselink & Rose Cairns, 2013. "Lost in the problem: the role of boundary organisations in the governance of climate change," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 4(4), pages 283-300, July.
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