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Understanding policy transfer through social network analysis: expanding methodologies with an intensive case study approach

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Abstract

This work demonstrates the expanding methodological approaches to the study of transnational policy transfer and combines the quantitative methods of SNA and the generation of sociograms with qualitative processes of iterative validation with key informants. The work maps and then critiques the differences in domestic policy networks and transfer policy networks. Transfer networks are distinct from domestic operational networks, yet each is interrelated and retains shared interests. Diagnosing and plotting the structure, density and complexity of actor relations in one domestic policy network provides insight into the challenges that another jurisdiction may face to effectively adopt and implement a similar policy once it progresses through transfer. An important contribution of this work is how SNA more explicitly highlights the connection of transnational policy transfer structures to key nodes in domestic networks and the dual role these actors play in the very differently configured domestic (operational) and transfer networks. In this case, we see how transnational policy transfer is both strengthened and constrained by its network relations with domestic policy systems. While actors effectively interact in the exchange of information and share ideas to support policy transfer, network analysis would also suggest a distinctly different network of actors is required to achieve effective adoption and local implementation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Professor David Bright (Deakin University) for his advice and guidance on the application of Social Network Analysis and our two anonymous reviewers who provided very helpful suggestions that greatly improved the paper.

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  1. The Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), Sydney, Australia

    Christopher Walker & Alex Moulis

  2. School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia

    Christopher Walker & Alex Moulis

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Walker, C., Moulis, A. Understanding policy transfer through social network analysis: expanding methodologies with an intensive case study approach. Policy Sci 55, 693–713 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11077-022-09477-z

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