Governing Student Welfare Through Multi-Actor Collaboration – Governance Mechanisms Framing the Regional Steering Function
The study explores the governance of Finnish student welfare through multi-actor collaboration, focusing on framing the steering function of wellbeing services counties. Using abductive content analysis of expert statements in policy documents concerning legislative reforms, the research found seven governance mechanisms: strategic planning, resource steering, governance accountability, stakeholder engagement, client-centered integration, sustainable partnerships and comprehensive coordination, that constitute a dynamic and holistic framework for examining strategic steering in multi-actor collaboration. The findings suggest that these mechanisms provide both structure and flexibility, enabling the student welfare system to effectively address local needs. This framework offers actionable insights for wellbeing services counties seeking to strengthen multi-actor collaboration in the governance of student welfare, promoting resilient and context-sensitive services across regions and circumstances.
