CONNEX: Connecting excellence on European governance: efficient and democratic governance in a multi-level-Europe

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0313

Key words (English)

Governance; involving society; constitutional law; multilevel system/policy instruments/legitimacy/social capital/participation

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 506347

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.7 Citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Université de Lausanne
Faculté des Sciences sociales et politiques
Institut d'Etudes politiques et internationales IEPI

Abstract (English)

The Network of Excellence CONNEX ('Connecting Excellence on European Governance') is dedicated to the analysis of 'Efficient and Democratic Multilevel Governance in Europe'.
CONNEX has two main objectives:
First of all, it intends to mobilise outstanding scholars all over Europe to deepen our knowledge of the present state and likely future development of European multilevel governance, its assets and deficiencies in terms of problem-solving capacity and democratic legitimacy; Second, it aims at building a Europe-wide research community which stands for scientific excellence and for providing added value for prospective users.
These objectives shall be achieved by a JPA comprising 3 tasks:
Task 1 covers activities to make transparent on-going research in different parts of Europe.
Links have been established to all relevant research programmes and a network of scholars has been built up in 24 European countries. National reports and joint conferences will reveal the wealth of research already produced.
The relevant information on on-going research will go into an on-line database open to all prospective users.
Task 2 rallies scholars from various scientific communities who will map and analyse the conditions of efficient and democratic multilevel governance in Europe. Research will be decentralised but a strong management structure will ensure integration. Research will be peer reviewed and open to the input from users.
Task 3 aims at a durable infrastructure for communication and dissemination of research results.
An innovative instrument will be the e-published 'Living Reviews'. PhD networks and on the job training of young scholars will improve the sustainability of the effort.
Close cooperation with the integrated project 'NewGov' will strengthen the activities of CONNEX.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0313