LIST OF PANELS

We welcome papers examining theoretical or methodological developments of, or empirical applications of the 'policy network' concept. Policy networks are an important concept which can be used to understand the processes of decision-making and influence amongst public and private bodies. The term “policy networks” is widely used, but interpreted and applied in a range of theoretical, metaphorical and descriptive ways (Dowding 1995, Marsh and Rhodes 1992). Much of the discussion is rooted in theoretical descriptions of the policy process, and largely untested on empirical data. This has led some to doubt the potential usefulness of the “policy network” concept; i.e. its ability to develop casual arguments linking network characteristics (structure and positional analyses) with policy outcomes or processes, which work across a range of domains and contexts. The empirical data which does exist is largely narrative and case-based, and therefore not easily compared due to the variety of theoretical interpretations, compounding this problem.  However, a relational approach to understanding policy networks has huge potential. The analysis of policy networks can be used to describe the membership of the policy community, identify the most salient actors involved in decision-making, influencing or evidence-use, and identify the conditions under which evidence can inform policy (Ingold 2011, Christopolous 2010, Fischer 2011, Drew 2011); all of which can help inform us about policy processes. Network analysis is still relatively untested in public policy, but previous theoretical work has proposed methods of using reputational, decision-making and positional analyses to understand the role of networks and elites in policy (Knoke 1993). This panel will draw together theoretical and methodologically rigorous papers on policy networks. We aim to stimulate a discussion about the utility and role of the network concept in policy research, to showcase innovative applications of network methods, and to promote discussion on the development of the field.

The importance of understanding the social context within which policy is made and implemented must be emphasized. Policy networks are an important concept which can be used to understand the processes of decision-making and influence amongst public and private bodies. The term “policy networks” is widely used, but interpreted and applied in a range of theoretical, metaphorical and descriptive ways (Dowding 1995, Marsh and Rhodes 1992). Much of the discussion is rooted in theoretical descriptions of the policy process, and largely untested on empirical data. This has led some to doubt the potential usefulness of the “policy network” concept; i.e. its ability to develop casual arguments linking network characteristics (structure and positional analyses) with policy outcomes or processes, which work across a range of domains and contexts. The empirical data which does exist is largely narrative and case-based, and therefore not easily compared due to the variety of theoretical interpretations, compounding this problem. However, a relational approach to understanding policy networks has huge potential. The analysis of policy networks can be used to describe the membership of the policy community, identify the most salient actors involved in decision-making, influencing or evidence-use, and identify the conditions under which evidence can inform policy (Ingold 2011, Christopolous 2010, Fischer 2011, Drew 2011); all of which can help inform us about policy processes. The challenge laid down is to develop explanatory theories of networks within public policy, by, for instance, identifying causal pathways linking network characteristics to policy outcomes, either as dependent or independent variables. As Fischer explains, this challenge could be met by comparing different sets of ties within a network (e.g. collaboration and combative relations, c.f. Ingold 2011), comparing networks over time, or by taking a more case-based approach allowing comparison between networks. This panel will draw together theoretical and methodologically rigorous papers on policy networks. We aim to stimulate a discussion about the utility and role of the network concept in policy research, to showcase innovative applications of network methods, and to promote discussion on the development of the field.   Christopoulos, Dimitris, and Karin Ingold. "Exceptional or just well connected? Political entrepreneurs and brokers in policy making." in European Political Science Review (2014). Dowding, Keith. "Model or metaphor? A critical review of the policy network approach." Political studies 43.1 (1995): 136-158. Drew, Roger, et al. "Using social network analysis to evaluate a complex policy network." Evaluation 17.4 (2011): 383-394. Fischer, Manuel. "Social Network Analysis and Qualitative Comparative Analysis: Their mutual benefit for the explanation of policy network structures." Methodological Innovations Online 6.2 (2011): 27-51. Ingold, Karin. "Network structures within policy processes: Coalitions, power, and brokerage in Swiss climate policy." Policy Studies Journal 39.3 (2011): 435-459. Knoke, David. "Networks of elite structure and decision making." Sociological methods & research 22.1 (1993): 23-45. Marsh, David, and Roderick Arthur William Rhodes. Policy networks in British government. Clarendon Press, 1992.