Policies, then, are the product of networks of organizations that span the public and
private sectors . Studied under multiple monikers, we will use the term ‘‘policy network’’ to denote a set of public agencies, legislative offices, and private sector organizations , that have an interest in public decisions within a particular area of policy
because they are interdependent and thus have a ‘‘shared fate’’. Public decisions will affect the ability of all members to continue operations and meet the goals of internal and external stakeholders . Such organizations constitute a ‘‘network’’ because they communicate intensively about issues they care about and must exchange money, political support, and other ‘‘resources’’ to influence public decisions
and—most basically—to survive .