Network governance of active employment policy: the Danish experience

The recent reform of the Danish governance system in the field of active employment policy has been subject to fierce criticism, as many commentators fear that it is the beginning of the end of the Danish Model of active stakeholder involvement.

Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, this study aims to analyse the impact of the governance reform by assessing the initial experiences with the Local Employment Councils (LECs).

The analysis shows that the LECs are relatively well-functioning and contribute to an effective and democratic governance of local employment policy. Furthermore, the tight metagovernance of the LECs does not seem to straight-jacket the LECs as there is a considerable scope for local policy making which makes it worthwhile for the social partners to participate in the local networks.