Qualitative network analysis: A useful tool for investigating policy networks in transnational settings?

Abstract

An essential characteristic of political systems is the coexistence and interdependence of formal and informal policy networks. This article describes applying qualitative network analysis as an innovative method of gathering discursive forms of data on maintaining complex transnational networks in the everyday work of individual actors. Complementary to social network analysis, qualitative network analysis allows collecting details on (a) the meaning individual actors attach to their network ties and the network as a whole, (b) data on informal policy networks not available through quantitative analysis, and (c) an insider view on the relationship between informal and formal policy networks. The article contributes to developing new methodological techniques in studying the European Union policy-making by illustrating opportunities and challenges of qualitative network analysis for studying transnational policy networks.