Achieving cross‐sectoral policy integration in multilevel structures—Loosely coupled coordination of “energy transition” in the German “Bundesrat”

Abstract

The big policy challenges of our times are complex problems cutting across policy sectors and levels of government. To answer the question how cross‐sectoral policy coordination in multilevel structures can be achieved, we argue in line with policy integration and multilevel governance scholarship that “loosely coupled” institutions create the interdependency necessary to secure complex coordination. This argument is substantiated empirically by investigating coordination of energy transition in the German Bundesrat. Expectations are derived on how loosely coupled institutions promote coordination. They are tested using a mix of empirical data. It can be shown that loosely coupled institutions indeed enable coordination by linking powers across multiple dimensions, creating incentives for cross‐sectoral communication, using personal ties in negotiations to bridge different institutional backgrounds, and sequencing the decision process to allow strategic shifts between coordination dimensions. Those mechanisms may not guarantee the best possible result, but they provide a satisfactory solution at least.

Managerial implications for the sustainability of energy policies

“…În acest domeniu de politici, în special în contextul european, problema majoră se referă la compromisurile dintre energie accesibilă, sigură și curată. Politica energetică este un domeniu de politică intersectorială sau de extindere a limitelor [37], [38]. Natura intersectorială a politicii energetice se reflectă în modul în care este propusă, adoptată, pusă în aplicare și evaluată [24].…”

Multilevel interdependencies and policy capacity in Europe

“…Our second contribution also deals with specific multilevel challenges of the policy process in German federalism. Obstacles to the implementation of fundamental reforms in Germany, such as the energy transition, have so far been attributed primarily to the specific institutional structures of German federalism (Behnke & Hegele, 2023). Ruffing and Brendler (2024) use a game-theoretical perspective to show that the conflicts over electricity grid planning in Germany are the result of a "wicked" problem structure.…”

Perception and performance in environmental policy

“…This already points toward the need for cross‐sectoral and multilevel coordination. Behnke and Hegele (2024) combine research on policy integration and multilevel governance to show under which conditions coordination of the energy transition is successful. Taking the example of the German Bundesrat, they outline that loosely coupled institutions and the linkage of powers, incentivized communication, personal ties, and sequenced decision processes are conducive to coordination.…”