Subnationella aktörers samarbete i Brysselkontor

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine how subnational authorities collaborate in regional offices in Brussels and why they fail by looking into the dissolution of the regional office West Sweden. The material used are interviews with politicans from different members of the organisation consisting of regions, a local govenment association and municipalities. An analytical framework based on aspects from historic institutional theory, organizational theory and communication studies are used to understand the process leading up to the liquidation of the office. The study shows that according to the different members the dissolution was based on four factors; a lack of common goals among the principals, poor governace, low legitimacy among citizens after the office involvement in a media scandal aswell as a reduced need and will for future cooperation by the strongest members. Earlier research on how offices with many principals are at higher risk of unclear roles are confirmed aswell as reaseach showing how bigger, more independent regions with more resources invest more in up-stream lobbying then weaker actors.