The roles and functions of umbrella organisations in the multi-level system of adult and continuing education in Germany: An exemplary approach within the context of digital transformation

Abstract

Umbrella organisations play a crucial role in shaping Germany’s heterogeneous adult and continuing education (ACE) system, particularly in the context of cross-level transformation processes such as digital transformation. Positioned between the meso level (ACE organisations) and the macro level (society, state, government), they provide orientation and resources for member organisations and promote the visibility and institutionalisation of ACE. Although general data on their structure and sporadic insights into their roles exist, a comprehensive analysis of their stakeholder functions is lacking. This article examines the roles and functions umbrella organisations assume within Germany’s multi-level ACE system in supporting digital transformation. An exploratory secondary analysis of qualitative (group) interviews from the DigiEB research project, conducted using content analysis, identifies the internal and external roles and functions of umbrella organisations. The findings indicate that umbrella organisations face ambivalence between internal and external roles and functions, requiring continuous negotiation of transfer, translation, and mediation within their intermediary position. These insights provide a foundation for future research on how umbrella organisations manage these roles and functions in practice.