In the heart of Florence, Italy, at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies within the European University Institute, a team led by Maria Salvetti has been quietly revolutionizing the way we assess water governance. Their work, published in the journal *Earth* (which translates to “Earth” in English), introduces an enhanced tool designed to bolster resilience and sustainability in water management—a critical concern for industries, including energy, that rely heavily on this precious resource.
The InnWater project, as it’s known, builds upon the OECD Principles on Water Governance but takes a leap forward by integrating four often-overlooked dimensions: circular economy, environmental resilience, local empowerment, and procedural equity, with a special focus on vulnerable groups. “We wanted to create a tool that not only assesses governance but also promotes inclusive and adaptive management,” Salvetti explains. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and reflexive learning.
The tool is structured around five key domains: mega-trends and resilience, policy and regulation, financing, data and monitoring, and engagement and accountability. It’s been piloted in select European sites, revealing some stark realities. “We’ve seen gaps in institutional coordination, capacity constraints, and barriers to inclusive governance,” Salvetti notes. These insights are invaluable for industries like energy, where water is a critical input for everything from cooling power plants to hydraulic fracturing.
The commercial implications are significant. Effective water governance can lead to more stable and predictable water supplies, reducing operational risks and costs for energy companies. Moreover, by promoting a circular economy, the tool encourages industries to minimize waste and maximize the reuse of water, a win-win for both the environment and the bottom line.
But the tool’s potential extends beyond the commercial. It’s a catalyst for systemic change, pushing industries and governments to adopt more inclusive and adaptive approaches to water management. “This tool is a step towards ensuring that water governance is not just about managing a resource, but about empowering communities and building resilience,” Salvetti says.
As the EU Green Deal gains traction, tools like this will be instrumental in helping industries align with sustainability goals. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from a more holistic approach to water governance, one that balances economic, environmental, and social priorities.
The research by Salvetti and her team is a reminder that good governance is not a static achievement but a dynamic process. It’s about learning, adapting, and improving—continuously. And in an era of climate change and increasing water scarcity, that’s a lesson we can’t afford to ignore.