Subnational governments in transnational networks for sustainable development |
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Authors: | Sander Happaerts Karoline Van den Brande Hans Bruyninckx |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for International and European Policy, KULeuven, Parkstraat 45 box 3602, 3000 Leuven, Belgium |
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Abstract: | Since the 1970s, subnational entities such as provinces, states or regions have joined together in transnational associations
based upon common interests, especially in Europe. Such transnational networks of subnational governments have also been created
in the sphere of sustainable development, a policy domain that is largely shaped in multilateral decision-making settings
and that is characterized by complexity and uncertainty, urging policy-makers to learn from other governments. Those networks
have both external and internal objectives. On the one hand, they want to represent their members at international organizations
and influence multilateral decision-making. On the other hand, they are aimed at fostering cooperation between subnational
governments and at stimulating policy learning. After presenting a typology of existing networks in the sphere of sustainable
development, the article presents a comparative analysis of the participation of the Belgian entities Flanders and Wallonia
in ENCORE (Environmental Conference of the European Regions) and nrg4SD (Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development).
The research shows that Flanders and Wallonia use networks mostly for formal and informal cooperation but not for influencing
multilateral decision-making for sustainable development. The external dimension of the networks, however, is applied for
identity politics. The analysis also demonstrates that little political capital is invested in the networks. |
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