Vertical Networks
These networks are described as being vertical in
that partners are often not engaged in same activities
along the production or policy process. Although state
agencies and non-state actors are asymmetrical in terms
of distribution of power and role playing in vertical networks,
the patterns of interaction differ from hierarchical
governance. Rather in a vertically interdependent networks,
participant role lie on a “sequential path (Park,
1996: 808).” More often than not government ministries
fund and design programs for private partners to implement.
This has become more apparent with the emergence
of contractual approach based on the NPM ideals.
Even though a vertical network requires a (central) coordinator
to smooth out production along the serial path,
downstream participants maintain sovereign rights. An
important difference between horizontal and vertical
networks is that the latter relies more on central agencies
to coordinate activities between upstream and downstream
participants while the former requires partners to
pool resources and make decisions jointly.