Tim Gieseke

After two decades of experience in landscape sustainability research and application, Timothy Gieseke recognized a 'shift' in governance among multi-sector sustainability efforts. In several of his own research projects, he observed governance styles shifting from top-down hierarchy styles to more nimble market and more inclusive network styles. He realized this occurred because it enabled a more efficient method of gathering data and accomplishing outcomes. Relying on the wisdom of Elinor Ostrom where she noted, "If it works in practice, it must work in theory", Gieseke set out to dissect and examine multi-stakeholder governance frameworks.

The result was a 'governance compass' depicting four sectors (Public, Private, Policy-Maker & Practitioner) to be used to create a governance assessment framework - a new means to measure and hence manage multi-sector stakeholder projects, programs and policies.

With this new governance tool and sustainability indicators, Gieseke constructed a multi-sided (shared governance) platform where multiple stakeholders could engage in the valuation and accountability of sustainability outcomes at the landscape level. He proposes this type of platform is the basis for an eco-commerce ecosystem; a modern business-governance model to address landscape sustainability.