The Collective Action of Regions in Brussels: Analyzing Increased Niche Behavior

Whereas much literature investigates vertical networks of regional interests bypassing the central state, this paper seeks to gain a better understanding of the collective forms of mobilization regional interests deploy in Brussels. Some scholars view transregional networks and associations as an additional opportunity for peripheral regions (Bartolini, 2005), while others are more skeptical as they expect that mostly wealthy regions will act collectively (Borras, 1994). Theoretically, our paper develops a framework based on organization theory and population ecology in order to clarify the organizational development of these trans-regional associations. For our empirical analysis we combine membership data of 68 trans-regional associations, with website coding and a telephone survey with 180 officials from regional offices and trans-regional associations. Basically, our results show that large differences exist among trans-regional associations whereby more recently established associations show a much higher niche specialization than older associations. This variation has significant implications for how regions are mobilized in Brussels and how they are embedded in Brussels’ associational landscape.