NETWORK MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: CONCEPTUAL REFLECTIONS AND PRACTICAL INSIGHTS

Abstract

This article explores the role of network management in enhancing the effectiveness of public policy implementation in multi-actor and complex project contexts. Using a theoretical-conceptual approach and secondary literature, the study synthesizes institutional, relational, and meta-governance perspectives, illustrated with empirical evidence from tobacco prevention policy in Switzerland. The findings indicate that active network management—through facilitation, mediation, and consensus building—strengthens implementation performance, particularly in conflict-prone policy environments. Contextual factors, including institutional status, network integration, managerial workload, and a policy design phase, as well as temporal dimensions, such as long-term engagement and adaptive learning, influence the success of these strategies. Practically, the article emphasizes strengthening managerial capacities, inter-actor coordination, and continuous evaluation to improve the effectiveness of public policy implementation.

Keywords: network management; governance; collaborative; public policy.