What is it about?

The sheer volume of literature published in the field of governance mirrors the growing interest in conducting research on this ambiguous term (Rose-Ackerman, 2017). In practice, the increasing complexity of everyday challenges has made governments become more dependent on social and economic actors to achieve their goals. In this book, Erik Hans Klijn and Joop Koppenjan make a heated plea for the study of governance networks and complexities (Part I), the management of complexities (Part II), and democracy and accountability in networks (Part III).

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Why is it important?

While I consider the book to have paved the way to a good number of theoretical explorations, options for future research exist. An investigation of the relationships between governance networks, electronic civic participation, and the empowering of citizens’ science could be fruitful. An exploration of the applicability of some of the arguments debated in this book at the cross-border level would also contribute to academic literature, policy making, and the general management of the public good.

Perspectives

Academic research must tally with needs at ground level. It must be effective in addressing day-to-day challenges that have an impact on the lives of citizens. In this regard, the authors could have also explored the role played by social media in, for example, making scientific and tacit knowledge more widely available to support policy making. In today's hyper-connected society, citizens are coproducers of possible solutions for triggering challenges.

Eduardo Henrique da Silva Oliveira
Christian-Albrechts-Universitat zu Kiel

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This page is a summary of: Governance Networks in the Public Sector. Erik Hans Klijin and Joop Koppenjan. Routledge, New York, 2016. 360 pp. $65.95 (paper) , Governance, September 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/gove.12307.
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