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Chapter 1
Understanding cross-sectoral
policy impacts – policy and legal aspects

Franz Schmithüsen

NEED FOR CROSS-SECTORAL POLICY COORDINATION

The conditions for policy-making have changed fundamentally as reflected in trends towards globalization, multilevel policy networks, privatization and increased democratic participation (Box 1.1). International treaties and norms add new dimensions to the existing patterns of governance at national, regional and local levels (FAO, 1999; UNFF, 2001). The distinction between private enterprise and public administration is increasingly permeable. The private sector has to deal with the incorporation of external effects in management and public authorities start to work with models from business administration. Current trends in national and international politics are important because they: