Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Coh... more Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Cohesion Policy (EUCP). Part of these proposals is an increased emphasis on performance management. This paper analyses what we know so far on performance management of EU cohesion funds. It will be argued that, despite the frequent use of terms like “sound financial management” and “value-for-money”, which implies the availability of information on all so called three E’s (economy, efficiency and effectiveness), performance auditing so far is largely limited to issues of economy. This is due to the EU’s preoccupation -in budgetary control- with the issue of legality and with irregularities, which link easily to compliance auditing and the issue of economy, but hardly to efficiency and effectiveness (performance auditing). The empirical paragraph of this paper analyses the reports issued by actors on both the European and national (in casu Dutch) level in 2010 and shows that on average 68%...
How effective and legitimate is hybrid cityregional governance? How effective and legitimate is h... more How effective and legitimate is hybrid cityregional governance? How effective and legitimate is hybrid city-regional governance?
European Structural and Investment Funds Journal, 2015
The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands... more The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands (OP Noord) in the 2007-2013 period. Based on academic literature on accountability, a framework for ‘good accountability’ is put forward consisting of four criteria. This framework is used to assess the relationships in the policy framework between the European Commission, the responsible national ministry (EZ), the audit authority and the managing authority against four criteria. Moreover, an outlook will be given on changes in the 2014-2020 period. The conclusion is that only one of the criteria, the existence of accountability relationships in the system, is present. However, some blurredness is seen in some of these relationships. The criterion referring to the existence of transparency, democracy and legal constraint within the system is partially present, and the remaining two criteria are assessed to be absent. These last two refer to the presence of the elements of the policy process chain within the system, which are economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and to the absence of an accountability overload or deficit. It is concluded that the rules of the new 2014-2020 period are likely to contribute to better accountability. However, still not all criteria are expected to be present.
This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in f... more This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in four European city regions that show clear characteristics of hybrid governance in the sense that they combine both private and public features. This approach is used by the cities of Berlin, Eindhoven, Copenhagen-Malmo and Zurich to enhance the problem-solving ability of their regional governance and to apply new smart governance arrangements in a complex and multilayered environment. Each of the four cities has its own way of searching for effective links with public, private and social partners, but the issue of legitimacy remains underexposed. Risks with regard to effectiveness and legitimacy are inherent in hybrid forms of governance, but they may equally offer new opportunities for good governance.
This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in f... more This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in four European city regions that show clear characteristics of hybrid governance in the sense that they combine both private and public features. This approach is used by the cities of Berlin, Eindhoven, Copenhagen-Malmo and Zurich to enhance the problem-solving ability of their regional governance and to apply new smart governance arrangements in a complex and multilayered environment. Each of the four cities has its own way of searching for effective links with public, private and social partners, but the issue of legitimacy remains underexposed. Risks with regard to effectiveness and legitimacy are inherent in hybrid forms of governance, but they may equally offer new opportunities for good governance.
This article reports on an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in... more This article reports on an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in four European regions that clearly show signs of hybridity, that is, they have private as well as public characteristics. Berlin, Eindhoven, Copenhagen-Malmo and Zurich thus aim to increase the problem-solving capacity of their regional governance and to govern ‘smartly’ in a complex and multi-level context. The individual cities search for effective links with private and societal actors, each in its own way. Legitimacy is an issue that is hardly reflected upon, though. Hybrid modes of governance may have negative impacts on both effectiveness and legitimacy, but also offer new opportunities for good governance. ‘Hybrid’ and ‘smart’ do not always go hand in hand, but they are not mutually exclusive either.
This chapter provides an overview of the conclusions of the research project on “Smart Transforma... more This chapter provides an overview of the conclusions of the research project on “Smart Transformations in City-Regional Law and Governance”. This study analysed the drivers, manifestations, and implications of hybrid city-regional governance. Hybrid city-regional governance is the kind of governance in which both public and private actors as well as public and private instruments go into the governance of a metropolitan area. The focus of the project was on “governance learning”, that is, the cognitive process in which individuals, in interaction, intentionally reflect on the process and procedures of multi-stakeholder decision-making. The data collection for the study included extensive document analyses, fifty-two in-depth interviews and five two-day workshops, called city-region labs, which involved representatives from four European city regions as well as local stakeholders. In these labs, participants from each of the four city regions collectively reflected on their experiences in dealing with the governance challenges that are particular to hybrid governance and, as a group, identified opportunities for improvement. The project succeeded in stimulating a collective learning process that drew on the participants’ experiences and research findings but cannot guarantee long-term effects.
26 The methods used are macroeconomic modeling, regression analysis, micro-economic studies using... more 26 The methods used are macroeconomic modeling, regression analysis, micro-economic studies using control groups and qualitative case studies. 31 Communication to the Spring European Council 'Working Together for growth and jobs-a new start for the Lisbon Strategy' COM(2005) 24, 2-2-2005. 32 A summary of the NSRF's of all member states has been given by the EC: European Commission 2008.
Dit artikel bevat een analyse van de effectiviteit en legitimiteit van bestuursvormen in vier Eur... more Dit artikel bevat een analyse van de effectiviteit en legitimiteit van bestuursvormen in vier Europese stadsregio’s met duidelijke kenmerken van hybride bestuur, dat wil zeggen met zowel private als publieke kenmerken. Daarmee wordt in Berlijn, Eindhoven, Kopenhagen-Malmö en Zürich beoogd het probleemoplossend vermogen van het regionaal bestuur te vergroten en ‘slim’ te besturen in een complexe en gelaagde omgeving. Elk van de vier steden is op haar eigen manier op zoek naar effectieve verbindingen met private en maatschappelijke partijen; de legitimiteitsvraag blijft onderbelicht. Hybride bestuursvormen dragen risico’s in zich ten aanzien van zowel effectiviteit en legitimiteit, maar bieden ook nieuwe mogelijkheden voor goed bestuur. ‘Hybride’ en ‘slim’ gaan dus niet noodzakelijkerwijs samen, maar sluiten elkaar ook niet uit.
The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands... more The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands (OP Noord) in the 2007-2013 period. Based on academic literature on accountability, a framework for ‘good accountability’ is put forward consisting of four criteria. This framework is used to assess the relationships in the policy framework between the European Commission, the responsible national ministry (EZ), the audit authority and the managing authority against four criteria. Moreover, an outlook will be given on changes in the 2014-2020 period. The conclusion is that only one of the criteria, the existence of accountability relationships in the system, is present. However, some blurredness is seen in some of these relationships. The criterion referring to the existence of transparency, democracy and legal constraint within the system is partially present, and the remaining two criteria are assessed to be absent. These last two refer to the presence of the elements of the policy process chain within the system, which are economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and to the absence of an accountability overload or deficit. It is concluded that the rules of the new 2014-2020 period are likely to contribute to better accountability. However, still not all criteria are expected to be present.
As part of my dissertation research an analytical framework on
the concept of ‘good accountabili... more As part of my dissertation research an analytical framework on
the concept of ‘good accountability’ has been developed that is briefly outlined in the paper. After that, three (possible accountability) relationships on national level in the Netherlands between the member state, the management authority and the European Commission are discussed according to this framework. This is specifically done for the regional ERDF OP's in the Netherlands in the 2007-2014 period.
However, this framework will also offer
possibilities to compare the Dutch situation to that of other MS’s. Also some changes in the 2014-2020 period are mentioned.
Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Coh... more Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Cohesion Policy (EUCP). Part of these proposals is an increased emphasis on performance management. This paper analyses what we know so far on performance management of EU cohesion funds. It will be argued that, despite the frequent use of terms like "sound financial management" and "value--for--money", which implies the availability of information on all so called three E's (economy, efficiency and effectiveness), performance auditing so far is largely limited to issues of economy. This is due to the EU's preoccupation --in budgetary control--with the issue of legality and with irregularities, which link easily to compliance auditing and the issue of economy, but hardly to efficiency and effectiveness (performance auditing). The empirical paragraph of this paper analyses the reports issued by actors on both the European and national (in casu Dutch) level in 2010 and shows that on average 68% of the content of the reports focuses on compliance auditing, instead of performance auditing (32%). Within the share of performance auditing, most attention is paid to output and outcome of the policy concerned (respectively with 12% and 17%); hardly any attention is given to input and costs (with respectively 2% and 1%). This shows that performance auditing still is not in the centre of attention in EUCP and a shift has to be made to really properly account for EUCP.
Focusing on the situation of the European Development Fund (ERDF) in the Netherlands in the 2007-... more Focusing on the situation of the European Development Fund (ERDF) in the Netherlands in the 2007-2014 period, this research looks at the accountability situation of Cohesion Policy. Using a theoretical framework on ‘good accountability’, consisting of four requirements and based on the academic literature on accountability (in general and in the EU), the research assesses the way ERDF in the Netherlands is implemented. It concludes that there is not a situation of good accountability. On the positive side, multiple accountability relations can be seen (requirement 1: accountability relations should be visible on European, national and regional level), however the necessary pressure from transparency, democracy and legal constraint is absent (requirement 2: these elements should lead to pressure within the system). With regard to the policy-process-chain, the research shows that the focus in the accountability relations is specifically on compliance and economy, whereas the other elements – efficiency and effectiveness – are seen only to a limited extent (requirement 3: all elements of the policy-process-chain should be visible). Finally, the fourth requirement focuses on a situation of accountability deficit or overload, which should be absent (requirement 4). The research however shows that there are tendencies in the policy area of an accountability overload. Taking the findings of these requirements together, the research concludes that a situation of ‘good accountability’ is absent. In the concluding chapter of the research, specific recommendations and considerations are made, for both improvements in Cohesion Policy in general and the specific situation of Cohesion Policy in the Netherlands.
Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Coh... more Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Cohesion Policy (EUCP). Part of these proposals is an increased emphasis on performance management. This paper analyses what we know so far on performance management of EU cohesion funds. It will be argued that, despite the frequent use of terms like “sound financial management” and “value-for-money”, which implies the availability of information on all so called three E’s (economy, efficiency and effectiveness), performance auditing so far is largely limited to issues of economy. This is due to the EU’s preoccupation -in budgetary control- with the issue of legality and with irregularities, which link easily to compliance auditing and the issue of economy, but hardly to efficiency and effectiveness (performance auditing). The empirical paragraph of this paper analyses the reports issued by actors on both the European and national (in casu Dutch) level in 2010 and shows that on average 68%...
How effective and legitimate is hybrid cityregional governance? How effective and legitimate is h... more How effective and legitimate is hybrid cityregional governance? How effective and legitimate is hybrid city-regional governance?
European Structural and Investment Funds Journal, 2015
The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands... more The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands (OP Noord) in the 2007-2013 period. Based on academic literature on accountability, a framework for ‘good accountability’ is put forward consisting of four criteria. This framework is used to assess the relationships in the policy framework between the European Commission, the responsible national ministry (EZ), the audit authority and the managing authority against four criteria. Moreover, an outlook will be given on changes in the 2014-2020 period. The conclusion is that only one of the criteria, the existence of accountability relationships in the system, is present. However, some blurredness is seen in some of these relationships. The criterion referring to the existence of transparency, democracy and legal constraint within the system is partially present, and the remaining two criteria are assessed to be absent. These last two refer to the presence of the elements of the policy process chain within the system, which are economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and to the absence of an accountability overload or deficit. It is concluded that the rules of the new 2014-2020 period are likely to contribute to better accountability. However, still not all criteria are expected to be present.
This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in f... more This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in four European city regions that show clear characteristics of hybrid governance in the sense that they combine both private and public features. This approach is used by the cities of Berlin, Eindhoven, Copenhagen-Malmo and Zurich to enhance the problem-solving ability of their regional governance and to apply new smart governance arrangements in a complex and multilayered environment. Each of the four cities has its own way of searching for effective links with public, private and social partners, but the issue of legitimacy remains underexposed. Risks with regard to effectiveness and legitimacy are inherent in hybrid forms of governance, but they may equally offer new opportunities for good governance.
This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in f... more This chapter contains an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in four European city regions that show clear characteristics of hybrid governance in the sense that they combine both private and public features. This approach is used by the cities of Berlin, Eindhoven, Copenhagen-Malmo and Zurich to enhance the problem-solving ability of their regional governance and to apply new smart governance arrangements in a complex and multilayered environment. Each of the four cities has its own way of searching for effective links with public, private and social partners, but the issue of legitimacy remains underexposed. Risks with regard to effectiveness and legitimacy are inherent in hybrid forms of governance, but they may equally offer new opportunities for good governance.
This article reports on an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in... more This article reports on an analysis of the effectiveness and legitimacy of modes of governance in four European regions that clearly show signs of hybridity, that is, they have private as well as public characteristics. Berlin, Eindhoven, Copenhagen-Malmo and Zurich thus aim to increase the problem-solving capacity of their regional governance and to govern ‘smartly’ in a complex and multi-level context. The individual cities search for effective links with private and societal actors, each in its own way. Legitimacy is an issue that is hardly reflected upon, though. Hybrid modes of governance may have negative impacts on both effectiveness and legitimacy, but also offer new opportunities for good governance. ‘Hybrid’ and ‘smart’ do not always go hand in hand, but they are not mutually exclusive either.
This chapter provides an overview of the conclusions of the research project on “Smart Transforma... more This chapter provides an overview of the conclusions of the research project on “Smart Transformations in City-Regional Law and Governance”. This study analysed the drivers, manifestations, and implications of hybrid city-regional governance. Hybrid city-regional governance is the kind of governance in which both public and private actors as well as public and private instruments go into the governance of a metropolitan area. The focus of the project was on “governance learning”, that is, the cognitive process in which individuals, in interaction, intentionally reflect on the process and procedures of multi-stakeholder decision-making. The data collection for the study included extensive document analyses, fifty-two in-depth interviews and five two-day workshops, called city-region labs, which involved representatives from four European city regions as well as local stakeholders. In these labs, participants from each of the four city regions collectively reflected on their experiences in dealing with the governance challenges that are particular to hybrid governance and, as a group, identified opportunities for improvement. The project succeeded in stimulating a collective learning process that drew on the participants’ experiences and research findings but cannot guarantee long-term effects.
26 The methods used are macroeconomic modeling, regression analysis, micro-economic studies using... more 26 The methods used are macroeconomic modeling, regression analysis, micro-economic studies using control groups and qualitative case studies. 31 Communication to the Spring European Council 'Working Together for growth and jobs-a new start for the Lisbon Strategy' COM(2005) 24, 2-2-2005. 32 A summary of the NSRF's of all member states has been given by the EC: European Commission 2008.
Dit artikel bevat een analyse van de effectiviteit en legitimiteit van bestuursvormen in vier Eur... more Dit artikel bevat een analyse van de effectiviteit en legitimiteit van bestuursvormen in vier Europese stadsregio’s met duidelijke kenmerken van hybride bestuur, dat wil zeggen met zowel private als publieke kenmerken. Daarmee wordt in Berlijn, Eindhoven, Kopenhagen-Malmö en Zürich beoogd het probleemoplossend vermogen van het regionaal bestuur te vergroten en ‘slim’ te besturen in een complexe en gelaagde omgeving. Elk van de vier steden is op haar eigen manier op zoek naar effectieve verbindingen met private en maatschappelijke partijen; de legitimiteitsvraag blijft onderbelicht. Hybride bestuursvormen dragen risico’s in zich ten aanzien van zowel effectiviteit en legitimiteit, maar bieden ook nieuwe mogelijkheden voor goed bestuur. ‘Hybride’ en ‘slim’ gaan dus niet noodzakelijkerwijs samen, maar sluiten elkaar ook niet uit.
The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands... more The article assesses the accountability situation of ERDF in the northern part of the Netherlands (OP Noord) in the 2007-2013 period. Based on academic literature on accountability, a framework for ‘good accountability’ is put forward consisting of four criteria. This framework is used to assess the relationships in the policy framework between the European Commission, the responsible national ministry (EZ), the audit authority and the managing authority against four criteria. Moreover, an outlook will be given on changes in the 2014-2020 period. The conclusion is that only one of the criteria, the existence of accountability relationships in the system, is present. However, some blurredness is seen in some of these relationships. The criterion referring to the existence of transparency, democracy and legal constraint within the system is partially present, and the remaining two criteria are assessed to be absent. These last two refer to the presence of the elements of the policy process chain within the system, which are economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and to the absence of an accountability overload or deficit. It is concluded that the rules of the new 2014-2020 period are likely to contribute to better accountability. However, still not all criteria are expected to be present.
As part of my dissertation research an analytical framework on
the concept of ‘good accountabili... more As part of my dissertation research an analytical framework on
the concept of ‘good accountability’ has been developed that is briefly outlined in the paper. After that, three (possible accountability) relationships on national level in the Netherlands between the member state, the management authority and the European Commission are discussed according to this framework. This is specifically done for the regional ERDF OP's in the Netherlands in the 2007-2014 period.
However, this framework will also offer
possibilities to compare the Dutch situation to that of other MS’s. Also some changes in the 2014-2020 period are mentioned.
Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Coh... more Recently, the European Commission has put forward proposals for the next program period of EU Cohesion Policy (EUCP). Part of these proposals is an increased emphasis on performance management. This paper analyses what we know so far on performance management of EU cohesion funds. It will be argued that, despite the frequent use of terms like "sound financial management" and "value--for--money", which implies the availability of information on all so called three E's (economy, efficiency and effectiveness), performance auditing so far is largely limited to issues of economy. This is due to the EU's preoccupation --in budgetary control--with the issue of legality and with irregularities, which link easily to compliance auditing and the issue of economy, but hardly to efficiency and effectiveness (performance auditing). The empirical paragraph of this paper analyses the reports issued by actors on both the European and national (in casu Dutch) level in 2010 and shows that on average 68% of the content of the reports focuses on compliance auditing, instead of performance auditing (32%). Within the share of performance auditing, most attention is paid to output and outcome of the policy concerned (respectively with 12% and 17%); hardly any attention is given to input and costs (with respectively 2% and 1%). This shows that performance auditing still is not in the centre of attention in EUCP and a shift has to be made to really properly account for EUCP.
Focusing on the situation of the European Development Fund (ERDF) in the Netherlands in the 2007-... more Focusing on the situation of the European Development Fund (ERDF) in the Netherlands in the 2007-2014 period, this research looks at the accountability situation of Cohesion Policy. Using a theoretical framework on ‘good accountability’, consisting of four requirements and based on the academic literature on accountability (in general and in the EU), the research assesses the way ERDF in the Netherlands is implemented. It concludes that there is not a situation of good accountability. On the positive side, multiple accountability relations can be seen (requirement 1: accountability relations should be visible on European, national and regional level), however the necessary pressure from transparency, democracy and legal constraint is absent (requirement 2: these elements should lead to pressure within the system). With regard to the policy-process-chain, the research shows that the focus in the accountability relations is specifically on compliance and economy, whereas the other elements – efficiency and effectiveness – are seen only to a limited extent (requirement 3: all elements of the policy-process-chain should be visible). Finally, the fourth requirement focuses on a situation of accountability deficit or overload, which should be absent (requirement 4). The research however shows that there are tendencies in the policy area of an accountability overload. Taking the findings of these requirements together, the research concludes that a situation of ‘good accountability’ is absent. In the concluding chapter of the research, specific recommendations and considerations are made, for both improvements in Cohesion Policy in general and the specific situation of Cohesion Policy in the Netherlands.
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Papers by Maaike Damen
framework for ‘good accountability’ is put forward consisting of four criteria. This framework is used to assess the relationships in the policy framework between the European Commission,
the responsible national ministry (EZ), the audit authority and the managing authority against four criteria. Moreover, an outlook will be given on changes in the 2014-2020 period.
The conclusion is that only one of the criteria, the existence of accountability relationships in the system, is present. However, some blurredness is seen in some of these relationships.
The criterion referring to the existence of transparency, democracy and legal constraint within the system is partially present, and the remaining two criteria are assessed to be absent. These last two refer to the presence of the elements of the policy process chain within the system, which are economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and to the absence of an accountability overload or deficit. It is concluded that the rules of the new 2014-2020 period are likely to contribute to better accountability. However, still not all criteria are expected to be present.
the concept of ‘good accountability’ has been developed that is briefly outlined in the paper. After that, three (possible accountability) relationships on national level in the Netherlands between the member state, the management authority and the European Commission are discussed according to this framework. This is specifically done for the regional ERDF OP's in the Netherlands in the 2007-2014 period.
However, this framework will also offer
possibilities to compare the Dutch situation to that of other MS’s. Also some changes in the 2014-2020 period are mentioned.
Books by Maaike Damen
Taking the findings of these requirements together, the research concludes that a situation of ‘good accountability’ is absent. In the concluding chapter of the research, specific recommendations and considerations are made, for both improvements in Cohesion Policy in general and the specific situation of Cohesion Policy in the Netherlands.
framework for ‘good accountability’ is put forward consisting of four criteria. This framework is used to assess the relationships in the policy framework between the European Commission,
the responsible national ministry (EZ), the audit authority and the managing authority against four criteria. Moreover, an outlook will be given on changes in the 2014-2020 period.
The conclusion is that only one of the criteria, the existence of accountability relationships in the system, is present. However, some blurredness is seen in some of these relationships.
The criterion referring to the existence of transparency, democracy and legal constraint within the system is partially present, and the remaining two criteria are assessed to be absent. These last two refer to the presence of the elements of the policy process chain within the system, which are economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and to the absence of an accountability overload or deficit. It is concluded that the rules of the new 2014-2020 period are likely to contribute to better accountability. However, still not all criteria are expected to be present.
the concept of ‘good accountability’ has been developed that is briefly outlined in the paper. After that, three (possible accountability) relationships on national level in the Netherlands between the member state, the management authority and the European Commission are discussed according to this framework. This is specifically done for the regional ERDF OP's in the Netherlands in the 2007-2014 period.
However, this framework will also offer
possibilities to compare the Dutch situation to that of other MS’s. Also some changes in the 2014-2020 period are mentioned.
Taking the findings of these requirements together, the research concludes that a situation of ‘good accountability’ is absent. In the concluding chapter of the research, specific recommendations and considerations are made, for both improvements in Cohesion Policy in general and the specific situation of Cohesion Policy in the Netherlands.