In the Margins of Stakeholder Engagement: Fringe Stakeholders’ Inclusion in Sustainability Transition Initiatives

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, we examine fringe stakeholders in the context of transitions towards sustainability. Fringe stakeholders refer to marginalised and non-collaborative stakeholders whose voices are not easy to account for. Our conceptual study integrates extant knowledge about the concept of fringe stakeholders to provide valuable insights into studying fringe stakeholders in sustainability transitions. We discuss challenges to addressing fringe stakeholders in the multi-stakeholder approach and draw lessons for research design from a review of empirical studies of fringe stakeholders in sustainability transitions in urban settings. Finally, we discuss the methodological features that enhance giving voice to fringe stakeholders in stakeholder engagement research. As a contribution to research on stakeholder engagement, our paper presents insights related to addressing fringe stakeholders in the contexts of theoretical framing, research design and methodology.