Work Programme

The approach to delivering the project is based on participatory techniques and working closely with project partners to develop user-focussed approaches and models. We are currently working with Transport for Greater Manchester, a regional transport authority in the UK, to embed adaptive decision making in their strategic and decision making processes.

The way we move within and between cities needs to change dramatically if the UK wants to meet its net zero ambitions at the same time as improving wellbeing of citizens. A new systemic approach is necessary to address the linkages between transport, the economy and wellbeing, whilst accounting for increases in complexity, uncertainty and the number of organisations involved in transformation.  This approach is at odds with current approaches to decision making so we are exploring how DMDU techniques could be adapted and integrated into strategic and delivery processes to build flexibility and reduce risk.

We plan to include another case study set in a less developed country to explore the application of DMDU techniques in this context.

We welcome enquiries relating to other sectors that face complex or urgent situations and are in need of decision making support.

In parallel to this case study the MAADM project also has a key focus on public engagement in decision making and recently reported the results of deliberative workshops to explore public perceptions of infrastructure in Leeds. The workshops found that explicitly talking about the link between infrastructure and wellbeing, and seeking to engage with the values underpinning perceptions offers more opportunity to find areas of agreement between the public and decision makers.

The MAADM project has also set up a Local Infrastructure Commission (LIC)  including representatives from public, private and academic organisations, spanning energy, transport and water sectors. The Commission is exploring how infrastructure needs can be understood; how planning and delivery happens at a local scale; and debating new approaches to decision making to deliver infrastructure that meets local needs. The work is focused on communities, cities and city regions in the north of England, because of the call for greater investment and foresight in this region. Initial outputs of the LIC are here