Network Governance Research Articles

Analyzing mechanisms of interdisciplinary cooperation in promoting students’ health at university

BackgroundInterdisciplinary cooperation among university actors and resulting intersectoral synergies are considered cornerstones in the process of incorporating health promotion practices in everyday university life in order to break down barriers and provide better access to health promotion services. To date, no network of a health-promoting university has been examined regarding the processes underlying tie formation, network emergence, and maintenance.Objectives and methodsThe goals of this study are to obtain insight into the mechanisms of cooperation between university actors in a health-promoting network and to identify the structural and attributive factors associated with establishing cooperation between actors in the observed network in order to better understand how to build and develop successful networks in the future. For this purpose, a social network analysis was carried out and exponential random graph models were estimated to test corresponding hypotheses.ResultsThe network at hand consists of 33 actors (e.g. University Sports Center, General Student Committee) and shows a flat, non-hierarchical structure. Data reveal that attributed competence predicts cooperation (0.32; p < 0.05). Significant homophily effects among student actors (1.31; p < 0.05) and among university actors (0.59; p < 0.05) were found. All structural predictors examined were significant (0.22–5.40; p < 0.05) and are therefore essential in determining the likelihood of cooperation between actors involved in the network.ConclusionThe results of this study provide for a better understanding of the mechanisms of cooperation and can be used to further develop the network at hand (e.g. selection of key actors for information dissemination or integration of peripheral actors). In addition, the findings offer starting points for sustained network development at other universities (e.g. significance of network governance form or goal consensus). Knowing the factors that influence the network structure, here the conditions of cooperation, results in opportunities to encourage empowerment among actors. However, the analysis of the network undertaken does not directly bear on the success of the network.

Network Governance in the Implementation of Sustainable Food Agricultural Land Protection Policy in Makassar City

This study discusses network governance in the implementation of a sustainable food agricultural land protection policy in Makassar City. The method used was based on a literature review (library research). Data were derived from various literature sources, such as books, journals, online platforms, and other relevant literature related to the research topic. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, drawing of conclusions, and verification. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of a sustainable food agricultural land protection policy in Makassar City has not yet been carried out. The remaining agricultural land in Makassar City is 2,035 ha. As a recommendation, in implementing the policy of sustainable food agricultural land protection based on network governance in Makassar City, it is necessary to establish trust among the actors involved, clarify the roles of all actors involved, reach a consensus on goals among existing actors, and ensure a task-oriented nature in network governance.&#x0D; Keywords: network governance, policy implementation, agricultural land protection

Navigating Governance Networks for Urban Issues: Global Trends and Prospects

This study examines the critical role of governance networks in addressing urban issues from a global perspective. We further elucidate the inception of these networks and how they can contribute to resolving the multifaceted challenges in urban issues. We employed a qualitative research method underpinned by an integrated literature review (ILR) approach. ILR, as a research methodology, allows for the critical examination, integration, and synthesis of extant literature, thereby enabling the generation of fresh frameworks and perspectives on the topic at hand. Our findings underscore the need for diverse actors, including government officials, societal figures, and entrepreneurs, to govern these networks and address urban issues. We also discovered that governance networks, by structuring societal dynamics, are systematically influenced by global socioeconomic and political regulatory mechanisms. Their applications span various public sector issues, such as mass media, healthcare, and water governance. The primary limitation of our study lies in the lack of field studies. Despite this, the outcomes offer significant insights into the theoretical concepts of governance networks from different regions, a distinctive contribution to the existing body of knowledge.&#x0D; Keywords: urban issues, governance networks, theoretical concept

Resource Optimization in Government Transformation Academies: A Study at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics in Indonesia

Various problems in the implementation of highly complex and multidimensional government programs pose challenges to developing countries, including Indonesia. Comprehensive efforts are needed to overcome these constraints, including appropriate resource allocation, institutional capacity enhancement, strengthening good governance, combating corruption, addressing social and economic inequalities, political stability, and adaptation to environmental and geographical factors. This article describes the resources utilized in the implementation of a GTA program based on the types of resources. The approach employed in this study is descriptive and qualitative, while the data collection method utilizes the examination of government documents. The objective of this research is to explore and analyze the current state of resource utilization within government networks with the aim of identifying areas for optimization and improvement. The combination of human resources, partnerships, and technological resources in the GTA program, along with the utilization of qualitative research methods, demonstrates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to government transformation and resource optimization. The program aims to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and digital transformation within the government, while the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the current practices and challenges. By integrating these findings into policy and programmatic decisions, governments can strive towards better resource allocation, improved service delivery, and ultimately, more effective and responsive governance in the context of government networks.&#x0D; Keywords: governance network, resource governance, government program

Interaction Patterns Multiactor of Communication Forum Regional Intelligence (KOMINDA) in Prevention Potency Conflict at Central Java Province

The study explores the interaction between actors in the context of public administration, categorized as a form of network governance involving individuals and state institutions. The focus is on monitoring potential conflicts in a community, where intelligence plays a crucial role in early identification. The objective is to analyze the interaction pattern of actors in community forums within the intelligence areas, specifically in handling potential conflicts. The research is qualitative with a descriptive approach and was conducted in Central Java Province, where regional intelligence communication forums are actively involved in handling potential conflicts. The study reveals that the interaction pattern among actors in handling conflicts is not fully optimal, particularly in terms of decisional interaction, anticipated reaction interaction, nondecisional making interaction, and systemic interactions. For an ideal interaction pattern in a network-based institution, actors should have a shared perception and standard coordination model agreed upon by all involved parties.&#x0D; Keywords: interaction actor, governance network, prevention potency conflict

Good Will Trust in Institutional Governance Networks in the Implementation of a Livable House Development Program in Gowa Regency

Trust is needed to reduce complex interactions between actors and achievement results among the organization’s public. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the livable housing development program in Gowa Regency using the approach of good trust in the governance network. This research method uses a qualitative approach, and the data in this study comes from primary and secondary sources. The data collection included observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted through interactive analysis. The results state that the first element of goodwill is that the responsiveness of the stakeholders is very good and indicates a commitment to carrying out the assistance program for the construction of livable houses in Gowa Regency. The second element of devotion stated that there were several regulations from the central government and ministerial regulations regarding assistance for the construction of livable houses based on these regulations, and that the Government of Gowa Regency is committed to implementing a livable housing development program. The third element of collaboration identifies that the Perkimtan Service participated in a survey to verify the eligibility of prospective beneficiaries through the fields appointed to be program assistants, according to the aid quota of the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance Program (the Housing and Settlements).&#x0D; Keywords: good will trust, institutional governance network, program implementation

Analysis of UK Science Data Ethics Policy: Structure, Content and Governance Network

ABSTRACTThis study uses the UK as an example to explore the structure, content and governance network of scientific data ethics policies. Adopting grounded theory (GT) and Social Network Analysis (SNA), Nvivo12 is used to analyze and summarize the structure and content of scientific data ethics policy, and Ucinet and Netdraw are used to map governance network reflected in policy. Results indicate that the structure covers governance context, subject and measure. The content of governance context contains context description and data ethics issues analysis. Governance subject consists of defining subjects and facilitating their collaboration. Governance measure includes governance guidance and ethics governance initiatives in the data lifecycle. Governance network indicates that research institution plays a central role in ethics governance and the core of the governance content are ethics governance initiatives and governance guidance.

HOW TO CONDUCT A REVIEW OF AN ARTICLE AND/OR A BOOK

This is a scientific review of a published paper that focus on network structures and governance performance. An intense review of the work reveals that the paper falls short of respecting research lexicons and methodology. The review found that, the arguments presented in the paper does not align with the topic under study. The paper was not equally free from grammatical errors. There were also some errors related to in-text citations. Thereby, raising serious doubts on the quality of peer-review the paper went though. The significance of this review is centred on the fact that, it would serve as a light and road map for scholars who intend to learn how to conduct reviews of books and articles.

Examining the Extent of and Determinants of SDG Reporting

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out what influences Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) reporting and to what extent. Particularly, we concentrated on 40 nations from various areas that actively participate in SDG reporting.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: The World Bank database, SGI Networking, and Sustainable Governance Indicators were some of the sources used to compile the data that was used to study this, which covered the years 2016 to 2022. Several regression methods, including Pooled OLS, Fixed Effect, and Random Effect, were used in the study to investigate the connection between reporting SDGs and indicators of sustainable governance. Additionally, we ran moderation experiments to evaluate the influence of the populace and religion as moderating factors.&#x0D; Findings: The findings imply that management, shareholders, and the market have a strong incentive to expand investment in sustainable practices to boost profits. Furthermore, our findings have significant policy implications for the sector, highlighting the necessity of incorporating SDG reporting into business models.&#x0D; Implications/Originality/Value: Our study has consequences for both academics and business. The importance of sustainable governance indicators in the context of SDG reporting and their potential influence on financial performance are both highlighted by our study.

Supporting municipalities to develop collaboration capability to facilitate urban transitions and sustainability: Role of transition intermediaries in Madrid

Transition management literature acknowledges that urban transitions are influenced by the interplay between a wide variety of actors operating under network governance. This means that municipalities must move from the traditional roles of commanders or implementers to those of initiators and facilitators of transition initiatives involving multiple actors and sectors. However, the structural and cultural challenges in municipalities hinder their ability to collaborate in network environments. Through a case study, this study analyses the role of transition intermediaries as expert organizations in building collaborations that support municipalities in developing their relational collaboration potential. The results show that besides building successful collaborations, intermediation work should focus on creating inter-organizational spaces where municipalities can learn how to collaborate relationally. However, transition intermediaries do not replace municipalities in their facilitation role in the transition but support them until they are ready to assume that role.

Hot Topic Recognition of Health Rumors Based on Anti-Rumor Articles on the WeChat Official Account Platform: Topic Modeling.

Social networks have become one of the main channels for obtaining health information. However, they have also become a source of health-related misinformation, which seriously threatens the public's physical and mental health. Governance of health-related misinformation can be implemented through topic identification of rumors on social networks. However, little attention has been paid to studying the types and routes of dissemination of health rumors on the internet, especially rumors regarding health-related information in Chinese social media. This study aims to explore the types of health-related misinformation favored by WeChat public platform users and their prevalence trends and to analyze the modeling results of the text by using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model. We used a web crawler tool to capture health rumor-dispelling articles on WeChat rumor-dispelling public accounts. We collected information from health-debunking articles posted between January 1, 2016, and August 31, 2022. Following word segmentation of the collected text, a document topic generation model called Latent Dirichlet Allocation was used to identify and generalize the most common topics. The proportion distribution of the themes was calculated, and the negative impact of various health rumors in different periods was analyzed. Additionally, the prevalence of health rumors was analyzed by the number of health rumors generated at each time point. We collected 9366 rumor-refuting articles from January 1, 2016, to August 31, 2022, from WeChat official accounts. Through topic modeling, we divided the health rumors into 8 topics, that is, rumors on prevention and treatment of infectious diseases (1284/9366, 13.71%), disease therapy and its effects (1037/9366, 11.07%), food safety (1243/9366, 13.27%), cancer and its causes (946/9366, 10.10%), regimen and disease (1540/9366, 16.44%), transmission (914/9366, 9.76%), healthy diet (1068/9366, 11.40%), and nutrition and health (1334/9366, 14.24%). Furthermore, we summarized the 8 topics under 4 themes, that is, public health, disease, diet and health, and spread of rumors. Our study shows that topic modeling can provide analysis and insights into health rumor governance. The rumor development trends showed that most rumors were on public health, disease, and diet and health problems. Governments still need to implement relevant and comprehensive rumor management strategies based on the rumors prevalent in their countries and formulate appropriate policies. Apart from regulating the content disseminated on social media platforms, the national quality of health education should also be improved. Governance of social networks should be clearly implemented, as these rapidly developed platforms come with privacy issues. Both disseminators and receivers of information should ensure a realistic attitude and disseminate health information correctly. In addition, we recommend that sentiment analysis-related studies be conducted to verify the impact of health rumor-related topics.

New reform of Brazilian High School (Law nº 13.415/2017): controversies and challenges

The main objective of this study is to discuss the reform of Brazilian high school, proposed by Law nº 13.415/2017. From the 1990s, with the redefinition of the role of the National State and the emergence of networked governance, the Brazilian business community, under the support of multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, UNESCO, OECD, among others, began to intervene directly in the educational space, promoting a true transformation in Brazilian education, such as Law nº13.415/2017. Given this scenario, if not just opportune, this work is necessary because it favors the discussion on the changes proposed by Law nº 13.415/2017, which deals with the current reform of Brazilian high school, highlighting some advances and setbacks of this stage of national education.

Framing a social network analysis approach to understanding reputational power in the water governance of Johor, Malaysia

Abstract The challenge of collaborative water governance often lies in the complexity of the networks involved in its processes, particularly in understanding the location of power and how the reputational power can be executed for policy decisions. A case study of the state of Johor, Malaysia, was done with the goal of figuring out a method for mapping out reputational powers in the network of actors involved in the water governance of the state. To achieve this goal, this study deconstructs the different facets of the state’s water governance system by outlining the spatial, operational, and legal boundaries of various agencies. The fundamental issues identified through this step are the complexity that leads to fragmented water governance. A research framework is thus proposed, derived from a qualitative approach whereby through in-depth interviews, respondents are asked to rank the water-related agencies based on their perceived influence. These rankings derived from qualitative interviews are given weights and subsequently measured using parameters such as density and in-degree centrality to provide quantitative evidence of the reputational powers held by actors in the water governance network. The study supports the future use of the reputational power research framework to achieve collaborative water governance solutions.

Long-Term Analysis of Aerosol Concentrations Using a Low-Cost Sensor: Monitoring African Dust Outbreaks in a Suburban Environment in the Canary Islands.

This study presents the results of the long-term monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations using a low-cost particle sensor installed in a suburban environment in the Canary Islands. A laser-scattering Nova Fitness SDS011 sensor was operated continuously for approximately three and a half years, which is longer than most other studies using this type of sensor. The impact of African dust outbreaks on the aerosol concentrations was assessed, showing a significant increase in both PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations during the outbreaks. Additionally, a good correlation was found with a nearby reference instrument of the air quality network of the Canary Islands' government. The correlation between the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, the effect of relative humidity, and the stability of the sensor were also investigated. This study highlights the potential of this kind of sensor for long-term air quality monitoring with a view to developing extensive and dense low-cost air quality networks that are complementary to official air quality networks.

Regional Governance and Multiplex Networks in Environmental Sustainability: An Exponential Random Graph Model Analysis in the Chinese Local Government Context

Chinese city governments have collaborated increasingly to address regional environmental issues by participating in informal and formal collaborative networks. However, collaboration among cities involves collaboration risks. This study investigates how cities strategically select collaborative partners in informal and formal networks in the context of the Yangtze River Delta in China. This study addresses this question by assessing the nature of collaborative problems in the informal and formal networks, the extent of homophily in actors’ preferences, and their relationship multiplexity. Findings from Exponential Random Graph Analysis demonstrate: (1) city governments tend to connect to the popular actor and create relationship closure in the informal network, while only forging relationship closure in the formal network; (2) homophily (in water pollution) and heterogeneity (in air pollution) jointly affect city governments’ choices of collaborative partners in the formal network; and (3) the presence of relationship multiplexity wherein the formation of formal ties is built between city governments with pre-existing informal interactions. The findings advance our knowledge of collaborative partner selection and local collaborative governance in China.

Navigating collaborative governance: Network ignorance and the performative planning of South Australia's emergency management

This paper examines the roles for emergency and disaster risk management plans as policy artefacts that guide centralised governance networks. Past scholarship has been sceptical of the instrumental worth of these artefacts for informing and elaborating governance arrangements. Some suspect that such plans are purely symbolic devices, mere ‘fantasy documents’. This paper examines the role of South Australia's state emergency management plan during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020. The study provides confirmation of the symbolic utility of these plans for central government, while also providing evidence for some suggested difficulties with centralised emergency management networks, about which there is still limited empirical demonstration. Drawing on focus group and interview testimony from senior actors at strategic, tactical and operational levels of South Australia's emergency network, however, we also demonstrate instrumental-heuristic worth of these plans for network actors seeking to make sense of a continually changing bureaucratic landscape, and when reflecting on the value of the network in the aftermath of extreme events.

The Impact of Network Structure Elements on the Building of Service-Oriented Government in China from the Perspective of Network Governance

Building a service-oriented government to the satisfaction of the people is a basic goal and direction of the development of the Chinese government. In the current era, it has become a consensus for the government and non-governmental organizations to jointly govern public affairs. Network governance focuses on the realization and promotion of public interests as the core value, and pays attention to coordinating the complex interaction of diversified actors. It advocates sharing power in the cooperative network and jointly dealing with all kinds of problems. Compared with the traditional management system, network governance can coordinate and manage cross-border cooperation networks among governments at all levels and departments more effectively. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of network governance on the building of service-oriented government in China. Through a questionnaire survey of 408 civil servants, this study analyzes the relationship between the network structure elements and the government service effect. The results show that the cooperation network with high stability and high intensity is positively related to the improvement of government service effect. In addition, the the government concept and the network cooperation ability are also closely related to the government service effect. These findings show the important influence of network governance in the process of building a service-oriented government, and put forward the relevant measures for the building of service-oriented government.

Development of a multi-scale monitoring programme: approaches for the Arctic and lessons learned from the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme 2002-2022

The Arctic Council working group, the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) established the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme (CBMP), an international network of scientists, governments, Indigenous organizations, and conservation groups working to harmonize and integrate efforts to extend and develop monitoring and assessment of the Arctic’s biodiversity. Its relevance stretches beyond the Arctic to a broad range of regional and global initiatives and agreements. This paper describes the process and approach taken in the last two decades to develop and implement the CBMP. It documents challenges encountered, lessons learnt, and solutions, and considers how it has been a model for national, regional, and global monitoring programmes; explores how it has impacted Arctic biodiversity monitoring, assessment, and policy and concludes with observations on key issues and next steps. The following are overarching prerequisites identified in the implementation of the CBMP: effective coordination, sufficient and sustained funding, improved standards and protocols, co-production of knowledge and equitable involvement of IK approaches, data management to facilitating regional analysis and comparisons, communication and outreach to raising awareness and engagement in the programme, ensuring resources to engage in international fora to ensuring programme implementation.

ASEAN as network governance: An alternative lens to evaluate policymaking and performance

Background: This article offers a new perspective of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as network governance (NG) using the policy network theory (PNT) for the analysis. Methods: Two case studies were selected from the ASEAN Community to examine the applicability and effectiveness of NG in promoting ASEAN cooperation. These case studies were chosen due to their prominence and the prevalence of critical comments about their effectiveness in promoting cooperation. The content analysis utilised primary data from ASEAN reports, documents, research articles and processes, and studies on NG and policy networks. A literature review was conducted using online academic databases and ASEAN-related websites. The search covered the period from June 2019 to March 2021, with further searches conducted between January and July 2023. These data collection efforts provided a robust analysis of the case studies within the NG and ASEAN integration contexts. Results: The findings show ASEAN as a hybrid structure which has supported its survival and relevance. This approach provides legitimacy for ASEAN globally by purposefully adopting structures similar to the EU without the supranational elements. It also showcases ASEAN’s motivation for asserting its centrality. Adopting a hybrid structure has led to ASEAN's soft institutionalisation, driven by its norms and characterised by a less empowered secretariat, where the member states are the decision-makers and implementors of policies. It opens a pathway to recognising ASEAN states’ autonomy, where the actors’ will and interests affect decision-making and defines performance. Conclusions: This article demonstrates NG's viability in promoting ASEAN's centrality in regional cooperation and institutional arrangements and allows for a nuanced assessment of its performance considering the context of the issue and ASEAN's history and emphasising the member states' primacy in policymaking. The NG framework contributes to ASEAN’s legitimacy, regional cooperation and performance despite its inherent limitations.

Decoupling in governance: the land governance network in a region of the Colombian Andes

Land governance requires coherence not only in terms of policies but also between its governance functions to achieve the desired goals. In this study, we focus on the functions that direct influence land use (boundary setting and resource appropriation; project formulation and financing; and monitoring, evaluation, and learning), which are expected to form a feedback loop necessary for adaptive co-management. We evaluated the degree of coherence of these three functions (as an approach to efficient management) via geo-located multilayer social network analysis and using an area of the Rio Grande and Chico basin in the Colombian Andes as the case study. According to the results, there is a conflict between production and conservation goals, necessitating collaboration among actors and institutions from various levels. The social network analysis revealed that the three functions are not articulated; instead, there exist two feedback loops (one per goal) in the boundary setting and resource appropriation function, leading to such conflict. The imposition of a governance system on the community by a few actors is recognized as the root of this conflict; hence, the need to move toward a governance with the community by promoting active participation in the various functions and interactions within them. We recommend future studies to assess the impact of governance networks on land-use actions to identify the reasons for land-use change and propose new strategies.