Contingent convergence in activation Variations on a common theme

5 Contingent convergence in activation Variations on a common theme 

The countries compared in this volume now rather have more things in common than there is policy divergence. Established dualisms are not that clear any more. This is also the outcome of policy learning processes inspired by a cross-border diffusion of objectives, instruments and empirical results on different policy options. 

The Anglo-Saxon and some Scandinavian countries were prominent early adopters of activation policies, but more recently the Continental European countries have embarked on a similar path. National variation is still present as similar concepts are implemented in a specific national policy environment. 

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