Strategic Networking and Implementation of Communication and Diffusion Instruments to Develop Local Energy Policies

This contribution focuses on the network management strategy adopted by the Swiss federal government in connection with the programme “Energy 2000 for Municipalities”. This approach emphasises the importance of optimising co-operation among all parties involved in policy implementation. In doing so it is strongly focused on communication and diffusion instruments used at an operational as well as strategic level. Strategically oriented services at a higher level should prepare the ground for an active energy policy in general by for example strengthening the networking among municipalities and other energy policy players. Action-oriented services on the other hand aim directly at the planning and implementation of measures in specific areas.