From environmental policy concepts to practicable tools: Knowledge creation and delegation in multilevel systems. (2nd May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tosun, Jale; De Francesco, Fabrizio; Peters, B. Guy
• Other Names: Hartley Jean guestEditor.; Sancino Alessandro guestEditor.; Bennister Mark guestEditor.; Resordihardjo Sandra L. guestEditor.; Trein Philip guestEditor.; Thomann Eva guestEditor.; Maggetti Martino guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Public administration. Volume 97:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 399
• Page End: 412
• Publication Date: 2019-05-02
• Subjects: Public administration -- Periodicals; Civil service -- Periodicals; 350
• DOI: 10.1111/padm.12544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3298

Abstract

Abstract : The problem‐solving capacity and problem‐generating potential of multilevel systems entail the need for the delegation of authority. When the problem concerned is about how to put an abstract policy concept into a practicable policy tool, the choice of the respective delegation trajectory depends on the policy models or the policy‐relevant knowledge that the respective political levels can supply. When regarding the European Union (EU) level as the starting point of knowledge creation and delegation trajectories, and concentrating on transaction costs, policy knowledge and models generated at the international level provide the most cost‐effective solution. Only when the international level is not able to provide further policy knowledge and innovation does the EU delegate its definitional authority, first downward to the member states and then sideways to EU agencies. We illustrate the plausibility of our dynamic understanding of multilevel governance by using Environmental Policy Integration as an example.