A Multi-level Approach to Differentiated Integration: Distributive Policy, National Heterogeneity and Actors in the European Research Area

This paper argues that differentiated integration can be understood more

thoroughly by using a multi-level approach that conceives of the nation state

as an aggregate of partly autonomous subunits and actors. The participation of

such components in European integration is influenced by a combination of

type of policy through which integration is pursued, national heterogeneity,

their loosely coupledness within national systems. By examining the case of

the European Research Area, we document patterns of differentiated

integration across governance levels and discuss how the following factors

shape these patterns: the competitive nature of the European distributive

instruments, stark variation in national and sub-national material conditions

and in the governance of national research systems, as well as the normative

and cognitive factors specific to the research policy sector. The conceptual and

policy-based implications to the debate on European differentiated integration

are discussed.