What Drives the Structural Anchoring of ESD? Network Theory-Based Considerations

The structural anchoring of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can be considered as a process of collective action. From a network theory perspective, the question arises as to which network structures promote the implementation of ESD in municipalities. Although network analysis has gained some attention in the research on ESD at a transregional level, it still lacks a theoretically grounded study at the municipal level. Against the background of corresponding theoretical and empirical contributions, we therefore present a derivation of relevant hypotheses. More specifically, argue that ESD is more likely to be implemented in municipal networks that feature medium density and intersectoral as well as intermunicipal bridges. Additionally, we assume that highly centralized municipal networks promote the structural anchoring of ESD in the initial phase, with decentralized structures being more conducive the more advanced the implementation. In other words, municipal structures which allow actors from various fields of action and municipalities to communicate with each other and exchange their specific ideas and experiences on a regular basis should foster ESD implementation. Furthermore, focal actors or fields of action may be advantageous for initiating ESD implementation in a municipality, but should lose significance as adaptation processes increase over time.