Assessing Regional Readiness

Focus on a compelling purpose

Working across boundaries is tough, and people need a good reason to think and act regionally. The following diagnostic questions can help you determine whether the necessary conditions exist within your region. The chart on "how to conduct a situation assessment" provides one of the most useful ways to answer these questions.

Is Your Region Ready? Diagnostic Questions

Is there a catalyst, driving force, or compelling reason to think and act regionally?

• What are the most important issues facing the region?
• How do different sectors of the region name these issues?
• Does one or more of these issues cut across multiple jurisdictions, sectors, or disciplines?
• Does any single entity have the power or authority to address this issue?
• Is this issue best (or only) addressed through regional collaboration?

Is there a constituency for change?

• Who is interested in or affected by this issue?
• What jurisdictions and decision makers are needed to implement any outcome?
• Who might undermine the process or outcome if not included?
• Are the interests of potential participants common, different but compatible, or conflicting?
• Do all parties agree enough on the nature of the challenge?
• Do people believe that they are likely to get more out of regional collaboration than by acting unilaterally?
• Can you identify one or more "collaborative leaders"—people who are willing to step forward to initiate and sponsor a regional effort that is widely seen as credible and legitimate?

Does the region have the capacity to work across boundaries?

• Is there sufficient capacity to get the process started? (Motivation, leadership, constituency for change, funding, knowledge, influence)
• What assets do various partners bring to the table? (networks; an ability to influence other people; knowledge, expertise, and information; funding, etc.)?
• What resources are necessary for your regional effort but currently missing?
• Are there external events that may influence the scope and timing of this regional effort? (Political events, ecological imperatives, and so on)
• What are the major barriers to regional collaboration? How can they be overcome?
• What can be learned by past attempts, if any, to address this issue?