network governance
/ˈnɛt.wɜrk ˈɡʌvənəns/ · net·work gov·ern·ance
noun
- A system of collective decision‑making and coordination in which multiple autonomous actors interact through formal and informal links rather than through a single central authority. The city’s water‑supply system relies on network governance, with municipal agencies, private firms, and community groups sharing responsibility.
- The practice of managing and regulating such a network, emphasizing collaboration, shared norms, and mutual accountability. Effective network governance requires clear communication protocols and trust among all participating organizations.
Synonyms
collaborative governancenetworked governanceinterorganizational governancepolycentric governancedistributed governancecollective governancenetwork managementstakeholder governance
Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase ‘network governance’ was popularized in the early 2000s by scholars such as Robert Agranoff, marking a shift in public‑policy studies from hierarchical models to more fluid, network‑based approaches.