Abstract
Local Action Groups (LAGs) are seen as an integral part in the development of rural economies across the EU. They are a strong network of interaction between the local state and society. Yet what is unclear is the extent to which LAGs operate in a similar manner across different countries. Their remit is detailed clearly through the EU; their activities and operations, however, may differ significantly. For example, in some countries LAGs operate beyond the rural environment. This chapter explores the diversity and uniformity of the LAGs included in the survey, to assess the self-perceptions of their role and importance to civil society.
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Notes
- 1.
2784 LAGs in Europe including 145 LAGs in the UK.
- 2.
This could be confirmed by the observation made by the team responsible for the research in England, where many contacted LAGs refused filling the survey because they were in the process of closure. The comparison of the UK to other countries should be carefully and only suggestively interpreted.
- 3.
The LAGs’ autonomy index is based on six variables. The respondents were asked to what extent do they agree with statements such as: “I have all the information necessary for proper decision making”; “My network can influence local government authorities in their decision-making”; “My network has a high level of autonomy in relation to local government authorities”; “Local government is supportive of my network”; “I see local government as an equal partner in relation to my network”; “The network’s activity responds to a whole strategic vision of our territory”.
- 4.
The LAGs’ institutional coherence index is based on eleven variables. The respondents were asked to what extent they agree with statements such as: “In this network, special attention has been paid to sharing diverse points of view”; “A satisfactory amount of time was spent on communication between the various parties”; and “Decisions are made collectively”.
- 5.
The LAGs’ individual coherence index is based on five variables. The respondents were asked to what extent they agree with statements such as: “All actors involved (individual or group representatives) have the same level of importance within the network”; “All participants share the same goal”.
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Lysek, J., Krukowska, J., Navarro, C., Jones, A., Copus, C. (2022). Alike in Diversity? Local Action Groups in Nine European Countries. In: Egner, B., Heinelt, H., Lysek, J., Silva, P., Teles, F. (eds) Perspectives on Local Governance Across Europe. Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15000-5_16
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