Research

The phenomenon of governance is explored from a number of different perspectives which contribute to a reflective understanding of the changes of governance arrangements in Eastern and Western countries. Such a reflective understanding of governance follows from the assumption that changes in governance arrangements can only be understood if contextual factors (be they regional, cultural or historical) and the interaction between policy specific characteristics with the broader political, social and economic environment are taken into account.

The core faculty is conducting research in three areas listed below. The names of faculty members who will take primary responsibility for the coordination of related research activities within ViGo are given in the beginning of each subchapter while all members will contribute to several of the research topics. At the end of each subchapter main venues for future research and possible dissertation topics are given.

• Theories and concepts of governance
• Fields of governance
• Spaces of governance