The Prefect’s Power to Grant Exemptions: A “Simplification Engine” Between Isomorphism and Innovation

Le pouvoir de dérogation du préfet: une « fabrique de simplification » entre isomorphisme et innovation

Emil Turc () and Nefeli Lefkopoulou ()
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Emil Turc: CERGAM - Centre d'Études et de Recherche en Gestion d'Aix-Marseille - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - UTLN - Université de Toulon, AMU IMPGT - Institut de management public et de gouvernance territoriale - AMU - Aix Marseille Université, AMU - Aix Marseille Université
Nefeli Lefkopoulou: CERGAM - Centre d'Études et de Recherche en Gestion d'Aix-Marseille - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - UTLN - Université de Toulon, EdD - École de Droit de Sciences Po (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po, AMU - Aix Marseille Université

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Abstract: Introduced in 2017, made permanent in 2020 and subsequently extended in 2025, the prefect's power to grant exemptions appears to be an instrument designed to make local public action more flexible. This paper seeks to understand the extent to which two competing theories – neo-institutional theory and models of public innovation – can shed light on the dynamics, modes of adoption and explanatory factors underlying the use of discretionary powers. In particular, it seeks to understand why this mechanism, despite its stated ambitions of simplification, remains quantitatively limited and strictly regulated in its application. Finally, it offers an understanding of certain practices involving the use of these powers by proposing a model of the ‘fabric of administrative simplification' inspired by process-based theories of innovation.

Keywords: droit public; théorie institutionnelle; théories de l'innovation; « fabrique de la simplification »; interdisciplinarité; simplification administrative; Pouvoir dérogatoire du préfet (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-05-27
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05783871v1
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Published in Savoirs et intelligences de l’action publique au défi des transitions, 15ᵉ colloque de l'Association Internationale de Recherche en Management Public (AIRMAP), May 2026, Aix en Provence, France

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