networking activity, co-operating with their counterparts across
national borders. This brings several benefits, including sharing
knowledge and best practice, access to EU-funding, raised profile and
lobbying opportunities. Yet in an age of austerity and with pressures on
local government to divert all resources into essential services,
questions are being raised about the value of this activity and its
effectiveness in realizing benefits, especially as transnational
networking is a 'non-statutory' function.
This paper assesses the effectiveness of local government networking in
Europe. Using case studies of 14 local authorities in south-east England
and northern France and based on interviews with over 60 local officials
and politicians, it highlights some of the difficulties local
authorities face when engaging in transnational networking. Building on
this, the paper makes a number suggestions aimed at local government for
improving their engagement with transnational networking and thus the
value and benefits gained from it.
In focusing on the effectiveness of this networking activity this paper
provides a deeper understanding into the workings and dynamics of
networks that have come to characterize EU governance, while also
highlighting the role of local actors who are often overlooked in wider
European studies. By highlighting opportunities for improvement this
paper has the potential to have an impact with practitioners
themselves.
