4: Suitable for global consumption: turning German dual training into a portable policy idea

Publication Date:
30 Jul 2024
Pages:
94–114
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447368045.ch004
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Over the past decade, dual training (DT) has consolidated its status as a travelling policy idea. Born in German-speaking countries, DT combines school-based education with highly regulated work-based training and generates interest among a growing number of countries. The challenges encountered by policy transfer dynamics behind the spread of DT have sparked considerable debate, but much less has been said on the origins of DT as a portable, export-ready policy. Likewise, while there is growing understanding on why recipient countries might be interested in DT, there is less clarity on how this policy idea acquired global currency. In light of this, this chapter examines the articulation of the German model of DT as a mobile policy idea. Building on documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews, and informed by von Gliszczynski and Leisering’s work on the articulation of global social policy, the chapter identifies a number of enabling and limiting factors that explain the (relative) spread of the DT policy idea. Particular attention is paid to the discursive and institutional efforts made by the German polity to promote DT. In so doing, the chapter contributes to shedding light on the role of bilateral cooperation in the production of global policies.

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