New governance and the case of activation policies: Comparing experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands

Citation

Lindsay C & McQuaid R (2009) New governance and the case of activation policies: Comparing experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands. Social Policy and Administration, 43 (5), pp. 445-463. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9515.2009.00673.x

Abstract
This article explores the importance of new forms of governance in active labour market policies (activation) in two countries: Denmark and the Netherlands. Drawing on research with key stakeholders in these countries, we analyse how new governance, and particularly processes of contracting-out and localization, have found expression in recent reforms to activation. We conclude that localization and contracting-out may have a future role to play in the development of more locally responsive and individually focused services. But both countries have encountered problems in promoting joined-up services through local jobcentres, while contracting-out has not always led to the tailored, individually focused services envisaged by policy-makers. In both countries, there are also concerns that the restriction of the Public Employment Service to a ‘gatekeeping and signposting' role will lead to inconsistencies in the quality of services, exposing the most disadvantaged to greater social risk.

Keywords
Unemployment; Public employment service; Employability; De-monopolization; Denmark; The Netherlands

Journal
Social Policy and Administration: Volume 43, Issue 5