A new concept of deepening European integration? The European Research Area and the emerging role of policy co-ordination in a multi-level governance system

Abstract:

Within the discussion on European governance and constitutional reforms of the EU polity the so-called 'open method of co-ordination' (OMC) has gained much attention as a procedure that occupies an intermediary place between intergovernmental co-operation and supranational legislation. In this paper we argue that the OMC is even likely to turn into a new concept of deepening integration within a multi-level governance system, if it is applied within certain boundaries and under specific conditions. We explore our argument with respect to the European Research Area which will be the new conceptual framework of the EU's research and innovation policies.