Educational Governance in Transition: The Growing Role of Non-State Actors

Abstract

In recent decades, the role of non-governmental actors in the public education system has changed. While the state sets the framework, they provide specific services and promise innovation and additional resources. However, cooperation also involves risks. In order to preserve the public character of elementary schools, the advantages and disadvantages of involving non-governmental actors must therefore be weighed up. This article analyzes the developments and current forms of this cooperation and highlights the opportunities and challenges of these partnerships. The conceptual contribution is based on a literature review and is supplemented by empirical examples.