Introduction

This chapter focuses on how to manage uncertainty and complexity in decision-making, considering the institutional dynamics. It compares and contrasts the three case cities – Singapore, Rotterdam and Boston – along various dimensions. The chapter draws from both the role-play simulation (RPS) exercise run with participants and wider background research to examine how adaptation is evolving in these three cities. It examines the infrastructure planning and decision-making, particularly around transportation and coastal defense infrastructure. The chapter explores the use of role-play simulation exercises for action research around emerging and complex threats like climate change. It also explores the use of multiple scenarios in project-level decision-making, based in large part on lessons learned through the RPS exercise run with Harboring Uncertainty participants. The chapter discusses tools for organizing more effective and efficient collaborative multi-stakeholder efforts, including the consensus building approach.