Perceptions of Power in Regional Networks

A Nordic Comparative Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID6441701
AuthorsJenni Airaksinen (0000-0002-3090-3222, Tampere University, corresponding author), Joachim Åström (0000-0001-7291-2875, Örebro University)
Year2009
Volume35
Issue5
Pages595-614
Publication date2009-11-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLocal Government Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0300-3930 • E-ISSN: 1743-9388
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03003930903229721
OpenAlexW2171767098
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited14

The aim of this article is to explore the differentiated attitudes towards power in Nordic regional networks. The analysis draws upon a unique comparative survey targeting regional network participants in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Three specific issues of power are studied: (1) the perceived influence of different actors in regional networks, (2) the perceived mandate of network members, and (3) the perceived impact of networks on regional development. When searching for the national political specifics that might determine participants' different attitudes, State administrative traditions and regional institutional set-ups are of particular interest. While regional governance in all countries is going through a period of transformative flux, the results show strong association with historical paths. The western countries' networks are characterised by less State influence, more influence by regional stakeholders, greater discretionary power of network members, and they are perceived to have more of an impact on regional development than their eastern counterparts. The results suggest that networks do not represent dichotomous alternatives to formal institutions of regional policy-making, but that they are linked to them in complex ways

Business · Comparative research · Corporate governance · Economic geography · Economic growth · Economics · Geography · Mandate · Network governance · Perception · Political science · Politics · Power (physics · Regional power · Regional science · Social science · Sociology · State (computer science · Transformative learning · European Union Policy and Governance · Law · Policy Transfer and Learning · Psychology · Social Policy and Reform Studies

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