Coordination and Efficiency

A strictly technocratic approach to policy making optimizes the policy's chances for success by seeking the best fit between the theoretical - technical attributes of the policy options and the empirical problem that needs to be addressed. The "Coordination and Efficiency" research theme presupposes that the policy's chances of success cannot be judged without considering the institutional, political and cultural context in which it is applied.

Whatever the policy area, it is assumed that there is no single solution formula applicable to all circumstances; the policy's effectiveness and efficiency depends on the manner in which they are discussed, approved and implemented.

Special attention is given to international (multilateral) organisations as they play an increasingly important role in governance issues. This is due to the fact that national governing bodies transfer, explicitly and implicitly, power and authority to these organisations. This transfer is (partially) driven by the externalities that national policy actions produce.

Externalities redefine the nature of international relations. This is especially apparent in issues related to Global Governance as apparent in international trade and in action programmes with regard to climate change, public health, social dumping and the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable. Research-wise, it brings the roles of the institutions at all levels of governance and their interrelations to the forefront.