In the ever-evolving landscape of adult learning policies, the roles of actors and governance significantly influence policymaking, shaping the trajectory of educational development. Recently, the European Training Foundation (ETF) hosted an enlightening webinar centered on the new European Agenda for Adult Learning 2021-2030, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, and the crucial role of stakeholders in agenda setting.
The event featured three esteemed speakers: Marcella Milana from the University of Verona, Italy; Borut Mikulec from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Oleg Smirnov, Ukraine’s director of DVV International.
Setting the stage, Siria Taurelli, Senior Human Capital Development Expert at the ETF, contextualized the webinar within the GLAD Network—an acronym for Governance, Learning, Action, and Dialogues. She described the network's focus on promoting collaborative governance among educational stakeholders, which is necessary to move towards lifelong learning paradigms.
“Policymaking is a complex matter,” began Professor Marcella Milana, introducing the Advocacy Coalition Framework, a theory of the policy process that examines how coalitions form around common belief systems and interact to influence public policymaking.
“Based in political science, the framework highlights the complex factors involved in policy change, focusing on belief systems, main policy ideas, and learning about policies,” explained Professor Milana.
Associate Professor Borut Mikulec provided a clear example of how the Advocacy Coalition Framework can be used to study the European Agenda for Adult Learning. He illustrated how various individuals and groups collaborated and consulted to create the 2021 agenda. Mikulec highlighted the significant role of various stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society organizations, in shaping these policies.
“Differences in power and resources affect advocacy coalitions. While certain actors have more power due to their resource endowments, others leverage alliances and strategic collaborations to amplify their voices. The Advocacy Coalition Framework highlights these dynamics and stresses the importance of forming partnerships to navigate policies effectively,” said Dr. Mikulec.
Offering a local perspective from Ukraine, Oleg Smirnov, Director of DVV International in Ukraine, underscored the role of decentralization in fostering advocacy efforts for adult learning. “Decentralisation empowered local communities, enabling them to spearhead initiatives aligned with the needs of their populace,” he said, emphasising “this shift not only encouraged citizen engagement but also made it necessary for them to learn new skills and knowledge, especially in adult learning and education.”
Smirnov also highlighted persistent challenges at the national level, where political dynamics and entrenched interests often posed formidable obstacles to advancing adult learning policies. He recognized the significant contribution of international donors in supporting advocacy initiatives, emphasizing the need for evidence-based advocacy.
Overall, the speakers offered global perspectives on advocacy coalitions in adult learning, demonstrating how civil society actors can influence the policy process even when they are not part of formal governance. “Forging alliances beyond familiar circles, underscoring the need for strategic coalition-building while preserving core values and beliefs,” was a key message from Professor Milana. Associate Professor Mikulec underscored the growing visibility of adult learning on the European stage, calling for better cooperation among diverse stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.
Effective advocacy requires a multifaceted approach, blending local engagement with global perspectives, and bridging the gap between policy ideals and practical implementation. “Through concerted actions and strategic horizons, we can shape adult learning policies that allow stakeholders to chart a course towards a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable educational landscape in the EU and ETF’s partner countries in the EU’s neighboring regions,” concluded Siria Taurelli.
This #GLAD webinar not only illuminated the complexities of policymaking in adult learning but also highlighted the power of strategic coalitions in driving meaningful change. As we look towards the future, the insights shared by these experts will undoubtedly inform and inspire continued efforts to advance adult learning policies on both regional and global scales!
Please, find the presentations and related documents here: GLAD online seminar on actor coalitions in adult learning – how to influence agenda setting? | Open Space (europa.eu)
-Written by Luisa Fernanda Trivino Puentes
Very interesting discussion on policy making processes, showing that Advocacy Coalitions are potential entry points for actors that are not formally part of governance structures. By joining forces in advocacy, these actors have a chance to influence the making of new policies.
In the case of the new European Agenda for Adult Learning 2021-2030, actors' advocacy led to the adoption of a holistic approach to adult learning.
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