About Network Governance in Disruptive Times: From Crisis to Resilience

In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges (from climate change and pandemics to geopolitical instability and technological disruption), the resilience and adaptability of governance networks have become critical to societal stability, progress and development. This special collection, Network Governance in Disruptive Times: From Crisis to Resilience, aims to explore how governance networks adapt and evolve in response to internal and external forces and events. By examining the interplay of political, economic, social, and technological dynamics, the collection sheds light on the mechanisms that enable these networks to transform crises into opportunities for resilience and innovation.

We seek contributions to the collection that delve into the adaptive capacities of governance networks, highlighting how they learn, reorganise, and reconfigure in the face of transformative change. From the role of digital technologies in fostering collaboration to the impact of shifting power dynamics on decision-making, the collection offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the challenges and opportunities of network governance.


In an increasingly interconnected and volatile world, the ability of governance networks to adapt and respond to crises is paramount. Transformation, driven by political upheaval, economic instability, social unrest, and rapid technological change, poses significant challenges to traditional governance structures. Network governance, characterised by collaborative, decentralised, and flexible approaches, offers a critical framework for addressing these complex issues.

Understanding how governance networks evolve in response to internal and external pressures is essential for building resilience. Networks that can learn, innovate, and reconfigure themselves are better equipped to respond to crises, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities for positive change. For policymakers, it is important for them to understand what successful network resilience ‘looks like’, including how it can be measured and captured as well as what capacities are required for its maintenance, so that networks are prepared for future disruptions.

This topic is particularly relevant for understanding power dynamics, fostering stability and sustainability in an uncertain world. This makes the topic not only academically significant but practically vital for policymakers and practitioners alike.

The subtopics include (but not limited to):

• Adaptation and Learning in Multi-level Governance Networks: How do networks evolve their structures, processes, and strategies in response to crises at multiple levels of governance?
• The Role of Technology in Network Governance: How do digital tools and platforms threaten or enhance collaboration, transparency, and decision-making?
• Power Dynamics, Leadership and Change: How do shifting power relations and diverse stakeholders shape network resilience?
• Crisis Management and Resilience: How do networks themselves play key roles within crisis management processes globally, nationally, regionally and locally?
• Network Collaboration and Coordination: How do partnerships between public, private, and civil society actors contribute to effective governance in disruptive times?
• Building network capacities: How can networks develop their impact and off-set some of the disruptive processes outside their direct sphere of influence?
• Policy domains: How do networks in different policy domains respond to transformative change and enable resilience to disruptive processes?

Preferred Article Types
We welcome a variety of contributions, including:

• Essays: Thought pieces that locate network resilience debates within contemporary societal events. 
• Research Articles: Empirical studies that provide new insights into network governance in transformative and disruptive contexts.
• Theoretical Papers: Conceptual frameworks that advance understanding of governance networks and resilience.
• Case Studies: In-depth analyses of specific governance networks navigating crises and building resilience.
• Policy Perspectives: Practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
• Review Articles: Syntheses/evidence reviews of existing literature on network governance and resilience to advance debates.

Keywords
1. Networks
2. Resilience
3. Crisis management
4. Policy change
5. Governance