Though it refers particularly to politics, the concept of multi-level governance downplays the role administrations play in preparing and implementing political decisions. While administrations at different levels are linked through various coordination patterns, we assume that multi-level administration constitutes a subset of multi-level governance. The article addresses differences between the administrative and political arenas in terms of predominant modes of governance and interaction patterns across territorial levels. Firstly, characteristics of both concepts are highlighted to show that multi-level administration indeed forms a distinct category that yields new research opportunities. Secondly, the relationship of power asymmetries and coordination modes is clarified to account for the variety of administrative patterns. Finally, driving forces that influence the emergence and change of administrative coordination are conceptualized as a first step towards their explanation. This article ultimately seeks to pave the way for a focused research agenda on multi-level administration and its specific coordination patterns.
