Regarding the merging of different societal and political norms
through the participation of representatives of these different
domains, the main thematic focus of the indicator set determined
participation, and thereby the resulting topical focus of the
indicator sets. Topical focus and participation in turn is likely to
influence the practical recognition and legitimacy of the sets. In
other words, due to the normative nature of sustainability
indicator sets, such sets are more likely recognized as legitimate
by those actors who assume co-ownership, because they have been
involved. The limits of participation of different policy domains
intended or practically achieved in the development process put
likely limits to recognition and use of the resulting set.