Firstly, we will compare the policy design process of the Youth Guarantee at the national level, focusing on the factors and dynamics that have driven the choice between alternatives.
Secondly, given that the design of the Youth Guarantee is often characterized by multi-level policy games, we will look at the relationship between the national and sub-national players in the design and "start-up" implementation of this program.
Finally, a specific attention will be devoted to the issue of innovation in terms of governance structures and operational mechanisms introduced by the YG, and to the prospect for a more comprehensive reform of the Public Employment Services.
The paper aims to bridge the literature on the new policy design with the literature on active labour market policies, assessing the limits and potentials of the YG design in two countries. As for the methodology, our study will be based on interviews of key stakeholders and on the analysis of official documents.
