Collaborative Public Governance model for Sustainable Development: Future Generations and Education

Several public institutions at the national and international levels have a pivotal role in actualising the 2030 Agenda. The challenges to achieving it are multiple and complex and require profound changes in culture, lifestyle, actions, and attitudes. According to scholars and normative indications, strong collaboration (SDG 17 – Partnership for the goals) and the focus on Young People and Education (SDG 4 – Quality Education) play a fundamental role in establishing a more equitable and sustainable society. Indeed, Italian public institutions are increasingly aware that the sustainable transition path requires the involvement and engagement of the Future Generations. The research aims to demonstrate the necessity and elaborate the foundations for designing a model of participatory public governance based on collaborative networks centred on Young People and Education. After a detailed literature review on Public Governance, Network, Quintuple helix and normative references, this paper explores the possible structure of this model through a case study analysis: the agreement between the Metropolitan City of Rome and the University of Rome to implement its territorial sustainability strategy. The agreement involved different actors, local authorities, institutions, and civil society in the area, focusing on young people and education.