Unanchoring Anchor Institutions? The role of universities in collaborative adaptation processes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13133/2532-6562/19222Keywords:
engaged university, climate adaptation, anchor institutionsAbstract
This paper examines the crucial role of universities in collaborative climate adaptation planning, questioning the assumption that knowledge co-production is inherently beneficial. By comparing two empirical cases—an analysis of stakeholder collaboration networks in metropolitan Boston and an engaged intervention in the city of Gloucester (MA)—the study shows how universities can either reinforce existing power structures or serve as infrastructures for transformative coalitions. The concept of “dis-anchoring” is introduced to describe a university posture that can suspend institutional allegiances and support planning practices grounded in everyday needs. The paper contributes to the debate on engaged scholarship by demonstrating how universities can act not only as knowledge providers, fostering plans and projects, but also as political catalysts in redefining the priorities of urban adaptation.
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