Policy Transfer Concerning Skill Formation in Central and Eastern Europe—Commonalities and Uniqueness
摘要
This chapter explores the complex diversity of policy transfer concerning skill formation in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with reference to the historical development of skill formation institutions. The main challenge for such research is lack of information about policy transfer in the evolution of skill formation in post-communist CEE. This chapter explores policy transfer in developing skill formation systems, clarifying core functions and features of policy transfer in key transformations. The research methods include reviewing the literature and interviewing skill formation experts from CEE countries. Policy transfer in CEE countries strongly influenced the development of skill formation systems during the post-communist transformation and EU integration, especially in implementing radical transitional reforms after the collapse of communism. The Europeanization of skill formation systems and processes during EU accession and integration was enabled and guided by policy transfer. Policy transfer concerning skill formation in this region became highly diverse, combining policy borrowing with policy learning, targeting a wide range of priorities and involving different actors. The uniqueness of policy transfer in CEE is defined by the impact of critical junctures of skill formation institutions, and the richness of acquired experience and know-how through the variety of reforms and changes as well as the openness of skill formation actors to external influences.