26. Local State-Society Relations in European Countries: Main Findings

The chapter details and discusses the main findings of a quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis of institutionalized networks of local state-society relations in 22 European countries. It provides empirical validation for the conceptual characterization of local state-society relations based on the dimensions of autonomy, coherence and relevance as well as the subsequent typology of networks. Moreover, it discusses and tries to explain differences in local state-society relations showcased by the country chapters of the book. First, it discusses whether countries and national infrastructures for local governance explain these differences. Second, it discusses whether the policy sectors and/or the functions of the networks explain this diversity. Third, it explores the role and choices of upper-level governments and local actors in shaping this diversity. It concludes by placing the findings in the framework of an actor-centered approach in line with discursive institutionalism and by defining directions for further research.