The research programme in a nutshell

In chapter 4, the particular epistemological aspects of the study’s research programme as well as its actual methodological approach and the database are outlined. As sketched out in chapter 3, the study adopts a conditional perspective towards the local context as a crucial factor in shaping local responses to the ESF. For analysing the role of contextual conditions, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is used in the study, and its main features are described in chapter 4. Furthermore, the chapter provides insights into the research design, data gathering and data processing.