The Limits of Decentralised Cooperation: The Promotion of Inclusiveness in Collective Skill Formation Systems?
Journal
Journal of European Public Policy
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper examines how collective skill formation systems balance economic objectives related to competitiveness and social objectives related to inclusion. Based on a simple theoretical model, we argue that there are clear limits to how much inclusiveness can be achieved in collective skill formation systems. Firms are generally successful in resisting pressure by governments to be more inclusive because they benefit from their structural power in collective skill formation systems. Therefore, most pro-inclusiveness policies in such training systems do not require any firm-specific involvement. If pro-inclusiveness policies involve firms, employer associations typically participate in their development, trying to align the goal of inclusion with the economic interest of employers. Our two-level game model helps to understand this complex interaction between governments and firms. Empirical examples substantiate our expectations. They show how important it is to consider both levels simultaneously when analyzing inclusion-oriented training policy reforms.
Language
English
Keywords
collective skill formation
vocational training
inclusiveness
two-level games
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
HSG Profile Area
SEPS - Global Democratic Governance
Refereed
No
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Volume
28
Number
2
Start page
229
End page
247
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
259668