Drivers of transnational administrative coordination on super‐wicked policy issues: The role of institutional homophily

Abstract

In European governance, transnational administrative networks have become crucial for addressing complex cross‐border challenges, supplementing formal harmonization efforts with informal collaborative mechanisms. However, little attention has been given to their role in addressing super‐wicked policy problems, where formal structures and political prioritization are lacking despite pressing temporal deadlines and substantial costs for future generations. This study investigates the drivers of administrative coordination in Europe within such contexts, using the case of antimicrobial resistance as a case study. Employing a mixed‐method approach, including Logistic Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure and a qualitative analysis based on originally collected expert survey and interview data, the research uncovers a notable trend: countries with similar levels of institutional quality are four times more likely to establish connections. This selective coordination dynamic is shaped by domestic circumstances, politico‐administrative considerations, and the pursuit of pragmatic, implementable policy solutions, with important implications for the ongoing struggle against antibiotic resistance.