This paper presents a scientific evaluation of a new adaptive, multi-level governance approach to effectively deliver large-scale investment programmes in integrated flood risk management. The research uses the case study the Room for the River (RfR) programme. This is a 2.3 billion Euro programme that was launched in response to the floods of 1993 and 1995 in the Netherlands to increase flood safety by providing more space and greater conveyance of the rivers that pass through the country. There is no panacea when organising the integration of flood safety with other spatial objectives at such large scale. It is not easy to organise collaboration within a programme comprising 36 regional projects and overarching management by senior government. Hence, important lessons can be drawn from a review of the RfR programme that resulted in the development of a new theoretical framework. The 2 year scientific research study comprised to date: semi-structured interviews (n= 55); a survey of the professionals involved and of politicians and the wider stakeholder community (n= 151); observation; and extensive document analysis.

Results indicate that the RfR programme delivered the integrated objectives of flood safety and spatial quality broadly within budget and time constraints. Actor contentment is high and stakeholders have enriched and been enriched by the planning processes. A relation was found between the output and the organisation of the programme. The national RfR programme was designed with decentralized leadership in planning and delivery; mobilising local knowledge and commitment. From the outset RfR included the objective ‘spatial quality’that helped create design freedom and flexibility in delivery. RfR also set strict objectives for flood safety standards, budget controls and planning; with monitoring of these using milestone management. RfR framed and facilitated decision-making by fostering mutually enriching cultures of central project control and decentralized leadership; providing freedom and flexibility where possible; facilitating where needed; intervening when necessary. During the process, the governance frameworks were adapted and refined based on social learning. The programme created a community and stimulated learning within and amongst the organisations involved.