Policy Networks

Abstract

Much of the literature on policy networks sees them variously as a mode of governance, and a metaphor for the reality of governance, or configurations of individuals/organisational engaged in a policy sector . We do not yet understand to what extent theories developed about social networks such as transitivity apply to non-comparable policy networks (which may include the interpersonal, interorganisational, inter-state, and be derived from survey data, documentary analysis). Secondly, in most of the policy networks literature, the nature of the tie is unspecified, undermining any analytical conclusions (e.g. Evidence-provision, advice, influence). In addition, the role of agency in creating ties, maintaining them and acting through them is not understood. The panel solicits papers exploring (1) theoretical or methodological questions, such as the use of network metrics to identify key players in policy processes, typologies of network measures and ties which illuminate policy processes, or multi-modal networks and their role in understanding evidence-based policy making, (2) substantive cases, such as the role of think-tanks or other formal and informal institutions in policy, individual cases of policy and/or evidence networks, or the role of elites in controlling knowledge and power within policy or (3) comparative cases, in which multiple approaches or cases are compared. This panel aims to develop this field by soliciting empirical and theoretical papers on the role of networks in policy processes, especially comparative or methodologically innovative approaches.

Title	Details
Wooden Triangles? Explaining Venue Participation in Different Types of Forest Policy Processes	View Paper Details
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Understanding International Policy Networks and their Influence on Climate Policy-making	View Paper Details