This framework provides a new starting point for analyzing the work of network managers
but leaves a number of unanswered questions—some theoretical and some empirical. Who
assumes the role of network manager? How many managers are there? What tools do they
use for coordination among different actors and among themselves? To answer these
questions, a further reframing of the functions of the network manager is required to
establish a basis for future studies. Below we present several propositions that extend or
alter the functions defined by Agranoff and McGuire. Although this list is not meant to
be exhaustive, we believe that it can be used to shape the focus of future network management
research and analysis.