Listen to us: How Dutch subnational governments together use public affairs to create a favorable position in the national and European political arenas

Abstract

Because of the devolution of tasks and powers from the national political level to subnational levels, subnational governments such as municipalities and provinces are increasingly compelled to express their interests in the national and European arenas. However, to achieve substantial weight, authority, receptiveness, and success in both arenas, active cooperation with other subnational authorities is needed. The question is to what extent subnational authorities acknowledge this need for cooperation and how this cooperation is being organized and structured. More specifically, in this study, the function and role of collective public affairs (PA) activities are investigated. Qualitative interviews with 17 PA professionals and 24 PA practitioners, experienced in working for subnational authorities, were held to find out how subnational governments in the Netherlands together organize PA in both arenas. The results show that subnational cooperation is of ultimate importance for creating a favorable position in these arenas. Such cooperation is favorable if subnational authorities together constitute a clear profile and render thematic collaboration in which the citizen is seen as the most important stakeholder. Further, the level of knowledge concerning the national and European arenas should be optimal among all parties involved in which the PA professional serves as a liaison officer who connects the various stakeholders.

Dutch public affairs professionals in the national and European arena: A smart mix of skills, attitude, and knowledge competences

“…These interviews served multiple purposes. In addition to the competences reported in this article, they also addressed the workings of the national and European arena (Figee et al, ), the relationship to the home organization (Figee et al, ), and the external collaborations required for PA (Figee et al, ).…”

“…Earlier research shows that the effective use of PA by decentralized governments involves many challenges, such as preparing the home organization for the use of PA (Figee, Gosselt, Linders, & De Jong, ); forging regional and public–private collaborations (Figee, Gosselt, Linders, & De Jong, ); and accessing the complex, highly competitive, and not always susceptible national and European political arenas (Figee, Gosselt, Linders, & De Jong, ). Considering that PA professionals have to act on various stages with highly relevant but often vaguely demarcated objectives, it is no wonder that questions arise about the expertise of PA professionals.…”