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Fostering the social acceptability of major public projects

Large public infrastructure projects have significant impacts and are increasingly scrutinized by various interested parties. In this context, their social acceptability has become a crucial issue. What can be done to foster acceptability? What role does governance play in this process? Gaining a better understanding of the close relationship between the 2 could help design these major initiatives differently.

Participants à une assemblée publique

Illuminating case studies

Few studies examine how governance mechanisms hinge on the interested parties’ engagement to foster social acceptability. Data collected from 20 people representing various groups with a stake in major public projects made it possible to develop and validate the conceptual framework. Through case studies in Quebec and abroad, this research looks at the dynamics between these aspects and their influence on the very evolution of the projects.

The research is notably based on the analysis of 2 controversial projects: Northvolt and Alto. For the first, 13 interviews were conducted with local citizens, representatives of the company and of the Government of Quebec, as well as municipal officials and external partners. For the second, data collection is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Concrete avenues for action

This research helps identify recommendations for the implementation of public policies, communications and participatory approaches surrounding major projects. Earlier and more inclusive mobilization of the communities concerned could help better take into account their needs, improve the proposed projects and reduce the risk of social resistance. The results also provide transferable leads to the different levels of government, public contractors, project managers and civil society actors.

Improving the well-being of communities

Maude Brunet, Associate Professor

“Including concerned parties in the early stages of a large public project can change the way decisions are made and help create more value for the communities concerned.”

Maude Brunet, Associate Professor, Department of Management, HEC Montréal

Research Team

Maude Brunet, Associate Professor, Department of Management, HEC Montréal; Sofiane Baba, Associate Professor, Department of Management, Université de Sherbrooke; Nathalie Drouin, Professor, Department of Management, UQAM’s School of Management (ESG UQAM)