Blocked Learning: The Norm in Greece
摘要
This chapter explores the phenomenon of blocked learning in Greece, where cognitive gains at the individual level fail to translate into organizational or systemic improvements. Blocked learning arises from a combination of administrative inefficiencies, over-centralization, clientelist politics, and the absence of institutionalized civil society engagement. Key issues include rigid and fragmented public administration, inadequate data collection, and limited evidence-based policy making. The chapter highlights how political priorities and clientelist structures hinder the diffusion of knowledge gained through EU soft law mechanisms, such as the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). Furthermore, the centralized nature of policy making restricts regional and local actors’ participation, exacerbating gaps in vertical coordination. These factors collectively impede the effective integration of EU recommendations into national policies, reducing the potential for substantive reforms. By identifying these barriers, the chapter underscores the need for structural and cultural shifts to enhance learning and improve governance in multilevel policy contexts.