<i.‘Though the importance for social outcomes of improved local coordination of social and employment policies is widely acknowledged, it has to date been the object of only limited research in comparative welfare state studies. Based on detailed and systematic empirical research in 18 localities across six European countries, this innovative volume begins to redress this imbalance. The novel insights it offers into the complex determinants of effective policy coordination in contrasting national and local contexts will be of great interest to scholars and policy makers alike.’</i>

- Daniel Clegg, The University of Edinburgh, UK,

<i>‘This edited volume, based on internationally comparative research, provides a valuable contribution to the growing body of academic literature on the local governance of social and employment policies. Through national case study as well as comparative chapters, the book takes up the challenging task of investigating the complex processes of coordinating various politico-administrative levels, a variety of private and public actors, and diverse policy fields, focusing specifically on how these processes take shape at the local level.’</i>

- Rik van Berkel, Utrecht School of Governance, the Netherlands,

<i>‘Activation has been the latest leit motiv of labour market policies since the Nineties. Activation measures require extensive coordination across levels of government, service providers and administrative agencies operating in different sectors. This volume provides an excellent empirical analysis of six European countries, highlighting the light and shadows of real-world activation experiences at the local level. The authors provide precious insights not only for welfare state scholars, but also for policy makers faced with the challenge of modernizing work and welfare through a more effective governance.’</i>

- Maurizio Ferrera, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy,