The role of policy networks in the coordination of the European Union’s economic and environmental interests : the case of EU mercury policy
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Date
Authors
Adelle, Camilla
Jordan, Andrew
Benson, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge
Abstract
Policy networks can help to coordinate different objectives. The vast
literature on network governance often implies that the mere existence of networks
will automatically lead to improved coordination. However, much empirical analysis
so far has focused on networks within particular policy sectors, which may actually
inhibit horizontal coordination across policy sectors. This focus has led to ambiguities
regarding the use of networks in practice — which this article seeks to help address.
By analysing the role of networks in the coordination of the EU’s economic and
environmental objectives in the development of its mercury policy, the article
demonstrates that policy networks need to span several policy sectors if they are to
help reconcile competing policy objectives. Furthermore, certain characteristics of the
policy area which contributed to the formation of an inter-sector network in this case
are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Policy coordination, Policy coherence, Policy networks, Mercury, Environmental policy
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Adelle, C, Jordan, A & Benson, D 2015, 'The role of policy networks in the coordination of the European Union’s economic and environmental interests : the case of EU mercury policy', Journal of European Integration, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 471-489.