Low scaling up and replication of good practices
Created on 19-10-2023
A challenge in Croatia (in contrast to Slovenia and Slovakia) is to identify, scale up and replicate (method) workable and existing solutions for different tenure types, ranging from vulnerable groups (e. social housing for the homeless and housing for young families), to low- and middle-income populations (e.g. investments in social and public rental housing), to affordable home ownership programmes. Suggestions to increase efficiency in replicating these programmes are to promote intra- and cross-country collaboration within local and national governments that have similar local contexts and where the success of the transfer would be maximised. In addition, there is a need for a national housing strategy that captures and evaluates these projects and makes them accessible to other interested project developers. Stakeholders that should be involved include first and foremost local authorities that have a good overview of successful affordable housing pilot projects that could be scaled up and replicated. Additionally, to bring transdisciplinary perspective, local and national advocacy groups, CSO and other experts should be consulted.
System knowledge
Actors
Housing authorities
A government agency, usually at the municipal, county, or state level, provides and oversees various housing-related programmes and services.
Civil society organisations
Civil society organizations, often abbreviated as CSOs, are non-governmental, non-profit entities formed by citizens to address various social, political, or humanitarian issues. They operate independently from the government and business sectors and play a vital role in advocating for public interests, promoting civic engagement, and providing services or support to underserved communities.
Experts
By experts, I mean individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in areas such as housing policy, urban planning, and affordable housing management. For example, housing policy researchers at a think tank, or city planners with expertise in sustainable housing development can be considered experts in this field.
Local authorities
Local authorities, also known as local governments or municipal governments, are administrative bodies responsible for governing and providing services to specific geographic areas, such as cities, towns, or counties. They manage local public affairs, infrastructure, and policies, and are accountable to the residents within their jurisdiction.
Method
Capacity building
Enhancing the knowledge, skills, resources, and abilities of individuals and/or organisations to effectively address challenges and implement improvements, such as policy reform.
Social entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship in affordable housing involves innovative, mission-driven initiatives and businesses that aim to address housing challenges by creating sustainable, socially beneficial models that provide affordable and inclusive housing solutions to underserved communities. These endeavors often prioritize social impact alongside financial sustainability, using innovative approaches to bridge the gap between market-driven real estate and the need for accessible, quality housing.
Tools
Take-up and replication
The take-up and replication of best practices in affordable housing projects refers to the process of identifying successful and effective housing initiatives or projects and then adopting, adapting, or reproducing them in other locations or communities to address similar housing challenges. This approach involves recognizing and implementing best practices and proven solutions to improve housing conditions, affordability, and access on a broader scale.
Target knowledge
Topic
Building sustainability
The practise of designing, constructing and operating buildings in a way that minimises their negative impact on the environment and promotes long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Housing policy
Housing policy refers to a set of rules, regulations, and government initiatives designed to address various aspects of housing, including affordability, accessibility, quality, and housing market stability. These policies are developed to guide and influence the housing sector to meet the housing needs of a specific population or region, and they can encompass a wide range of measures, from subsidies and zoning regulations to support for affordable housing and addressing homelessness.
Housing finance
This means inancial mechanisms and strategies employed to support the development, acquisition, or renovation of housing units that are priced within the means of lower- and moderate-income individuals or families. This typically involves a combination of public and private funding sources, subsidies, tax incentives, and innovative financing models aimed at making affordable housing projects economically viable while maintaining affordability for those in need.
Dimension
Institutional
The structure of government institutions that have the responsibility and power to create building regulation and monitor compliance with them
Social
This dimension relates to aspects influencing or impacting people, communities, and societal structures.
Economic
Level
Country
The political structure governs a specific geographical area and accommodates a specific population group.
Municipal
This level refers to the local administrative or governmental unit, typically a city or town, responsible for local governance, services, and decision-making within a defined geographic area.