Polycentricity and Ostrom’s eight design principles

Polycentricity is a key concept in Ostrom’s work.

In this video, Dr. Nordman explains Ostrom’s concept of polycentricity. Ostrom’s vision of environmental governance stands in stark contrast to what we typically expect in our present-day discourse. Rather than a single blueprint being imposed across the board, she preferred what is called a ‘polycentric’ alternative, where local communities and public entrepreneurs experiment with their own solutions.