The superministry approach: Integrated governance of science, technology and innovation with contracted autonomy

Political coordination of knowledge and innovation policies in Denmark is primarily governed through a ‘superministry’ of science, technology, innovation and higher education. This outlines the evolution of this ministry, how it is organised as well as the strengths and weaknesses linked to this type of political coordination. One main feature of the current organisation of political coordination is the intensive use of new public management ideas, which has not only structured vertical relationships in knowledge and innovation policy but also internal relationships within the superministry. It is demonstrated that this mode of governance has ambiguous effects: while it creates stronger guidance capacities, it also contributes to a stronger fragmentation. Also, the concentration of forces within one superministry has complicated the coordination with other knowledge and innovation policy areas organised by other ministries. Despite new initiatives for a more encompassing coordination launched by the Globalisation Council in 2006, Denmark is still searching for a better ways to promote knowledge and innovation. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.