A learning journey; A study on the development of interactions, trust and learning in a global climate network

Abstract

This study describes and analyses the development of a global climate network case: the 2020 Climate Solutions Meshwork. Meshwork is initiated as a new type of network with the intention to create improved collaboration and learning. Development between initiation in December 2009 and May 2010 show that initially, face-to-face interactions on a global climate summit in Copenhagen create increased numbers of actors as well as high levels of trust and learning among participants. Network management actively facilitates these interactions and is viewed as positively correlated to high trust and learning levels. Afterwards, the accompanied online platform is put in place but online facilitation does not take place. Trust and learning levels among participants decrease, even though new members are coming in to a small extent. In May 2010, with 1500 participants, interactions are scarce and collaboration is minimal, only among a handful of actors. Online colaboration on climate issues in a network based on voluntary interdependencies has proven a difficult endeavour to achieve. Nonetheless, network management (the Meshwork team) is aware of difficulties in development and actively centralizes a learning attitude towards improving Meshworking practices in the future.