Networks and hierarchies: notes on government action in the analysis of public policy networks and governance networks

Abstract

Government intervention in the public sphere has undergone a great transformation throughout its history. The concept of “governance networks” encompasses one of the latest efforts from political sciences to understand the process of creating and implementing public policies. This document aims to clarify the theoretical and practical implications of the concept of “governance networks” in regards to future research agendas around it. The conceptual debate suggests the need to analyze its democratic implications. KEYWORDS: Governance networks, public policy networks, public policies, government action.