Dirigeerime

Dirigeerime is a term used in Dutch-language discourse to describe a doctrine of governance and organizational management that emphasizes active steering of economic and social life by public authorities, complemented by collaboration with private actors. The concept sits at the intersection of market mechanisms and centralized coordination and is often presented as an alternative to both laissez-faire liberalism and full central planning. In contrast with dirigisme, which stresses state control of key sectors and enterprises, dirigeerime emphasizes strategic direction and policy coherence rather than outright ownership.

Core principles include a central strategic direction in which government sets long-term objectives; use of policy instruments such as regulation, subsidies, public investment, and procurement to align incentives; planning with flexible, long-term horizons; governance that involves multiple stakeholders, including business, labor, and civil society; and a focus on maintaining competitiveness and social welfare in a changing economy.

Applications are discussed in the context of infrastructure, innovation policy, climate and energy transition, urban development, and, in some cases, public-private partnerships, where public steering is used to coordinate actors toward shared goals.

Critics argue that dirigisme-like approaches can entrench bureaucracy, distort price signals, and invite political capture of economic outcomes; supporters counter that directed policies can enhance resilience, coordinate long-term investments, and ensure provision of public goods and strategic capabilities.

Relation to other concepts: dirigeerime is related to dirigisme, state capitalism, and coordinated market economies, while remaining distinct in its emphasis on steering rather than ownership. The term appears mainly in Dutch-language discussions and is subject to ongoing debate about efficacy and legitimacy.