United in Diversity? Implementation and Performance in Multi-Level Governance II

Abstract

In multi-level governance structures such as the European Union (EU), decentralized implementation inevitably leads to a diversity of policy solutions in practice. However, our knowledge about this diversity is limited empirically and theoretically. What does it imply for policy performance, the legitimacy of decision-making, and the ways in which member states “take back control”? How can we gain a fuller empirical picture of multi-level policy implementation? The panel invites papers that analyse implementation patterns, delegation processes and administrative discretion, (differentiated) integration, and multi-level governance. Preference is given to studies that provide systematic evidence, are theoretically, conceptually and/or methodologically innovative. Chairs: Dr. Eva Thomann, Department of Politics, University of Exeter, e.thomann@exeter.ac.uk Dr. Asya Zhelyazkova, School of Management, Radboud University Nijmegen, a.zhelyazkova@fm.ru.nl Discussants: Sebastiaan Princen and Eva Heidbreder