Negotiating responsibility in climate governance: lost in translation?

Purpose This paper aims to examine a Swiss digital social innovation (DSI) initiative for climate governance and seeks to understand the socio-technical dynamics that influence its development. Design/methodology/approach The study examines the initiative OK Klima, which aims to improve the quality and transparency of climate-related data in Swiss municipalities and cantons to foster citizen participation through a digital platform. Data was collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The analysis draws on actor-network theory (ANT), specifically applying the concept of translation Findings The analysis reveals that the notion of responsibility remains poorly conceptualized in the context of DSI and climate governance. Although the initiative under study explicitly aimed to promote systemic engagement, responsibility was often interpreted as individual and moralized – indicating a need to sharpen the conceptual and practical framing of responsibility in DSI and climate governance. Originality/value The study presents valuable insights into a unique approach to climate governance. The findings contribute not only to academic discourse on DSI and climate governance but also offer important reflections for practitioners and future initiatives.