Public networks are often distinguished from private
ones based on the degree of formalization, the existence
and the role of centralized coordinating mechanism(s),
and the degree of interaction with other societal actors
(Slaughter, 2004). They can also be categorized by the
composition of players and the development of ‘hub
agencies’ that coordinate activities of network participants.
Although the network governance is likely to be
associated with trust and reciprocity, it is unlikely that
members will have equal rights and symmetrical power.
Rather, it represents an organizational form that combines
both competitive and cooperative elements (Sydow
et al., 1998). Depending on various environmental and
actor-related factors, networks are likely to be led by a
‘hub agent’ who plays an important role of coordinating
and maintaining the network structure. According to discussions on path dependency theories, the networks tend
to evolve around ‘lead’ government agencies since they
have the resources and administrative means. Although
the modern administrative state is undergoing transformation
from the bureaucratic governance to the network
governance and thereby witnessing the roles changing
significantly, there are still areas where the government
should play key roles in terms of governing and governance.
This paper identifies two types of networks: horizontal
networks based on more symmetrical relationship
among participants and vertical networks which places
more important coordinating functions to government
agencies