Figure 1

The evolution of policy networks as a new form of governance*

complexity dynamics diversity	==>	increasing resource interdependence between public and private actors in public policy-making	==>		deregulation/privatisation		==>	market failure
				inefficiency of hierarchical co-ordination
					horizontal co-ordination		==>	governance through policy networks

* For an overview over the concept of interdependence in International Relations theory see Keohane and Nye 1977; Kohler-Koch 1990.

Figure 2

Concepts of policy networks

Quantitative network concept			Qualitative network concept
		Interest Intermediation School		Governance School
policy networks as analytical tool		policy networks as a typology of state/society relations		policy networks as a model to analyse non-hierarchical forms of interactions between public and private actors in policy-making
policy networks as theoretical approach		structure of policy networks as a determinant of policy process and policy outcome		policy networks as specific form of governance

Figure 3

The application of policy networks to the study of European governance

	Policy networks as analytical tool	Policy networks as theoretical approach
European governance as dependent variabl (bottom-up perspective)	forms of interest intermedia-tion/policy outcomes/ policy change/processes/structures of European policy-making --> intergovernmental vs. supranational/transnational policy-making	EU as a system of governance without government --> policy networks as a mode of European governance; EU as a new form of modern statehood vs. EU as a system of governance beyond the state
European governance as independent variable (top-down perspective)	impact of European policy-making on the domestic structures of the member states --> strengthening vs. weakening of the state	impact of European integration on the domestic structures of the member states --> transformation of the state from actor into arena

©1997 by Börzel
arranged by MN, 19.8.1997