Federalism as a multi-layered political order: insights from Canada and Germany

Again, diffusion and learning is contingent upon supportive institutional layers. Diffusion and social learning depends on the existence of different, but discursively connected institutionalized sites of authority that are capable of experimenting with new solutions. The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in the European Union is a case in point. The OMC was created to spur learning and diffusion among the member states. Within the framework of the OMC, member states and supranational institutions collaboratively develop common goals (e.g. full employment, social inclusion etc.), but the member states can deploy different policy instruments. They report on their achievements on a regular basis and participate in a peer reviewed assessment procedure to facilitate “learning from difference” (Sabel and Zeitlin 2008).