Algebraic formulation of higher gauge theory

In this paper, we present a purely algebraic formulation of higher gauge theory and gauged sigma models based on the abstract theory of graded commutative algebras and their morphisms. The formulation incorporates naturally BRST symmetry and is also suitable for AKSZ type constructions. It is also shown that for a full--fledged BV formulation including ghost degrees of freedom, higher gauge and gauged sigma model fields must be viewed as internal smooth functions on the shifted tangent bundle of a space time manifold valued in a shifted L_infty-algebroid encoding symmetry. The relationship to other formulations where the L_infty-algebroid arises from a higher Lie groupoid by Lie differentiation is highlighted.