Resumen de Developing a New Framework to ExplainTransverse Evolution of Knowledge-DrivenRegional Policy Networks

José María Barrutia Legarreta, Carmen Etxebarria Miguel

• The need to analyse policy networks (PNs) from an evolutionary perspective has beenpinpointed by the three traditions of network research as one of the main gaps in thestudy of networking. This article examines successful networking practices in the BasqueCountry over an 18-year period, taking in cluster associations, quality promotion andLocal Agenda 21 promotion. Based on the Basque experience and on previousknowledge of PNs, we develop a new framework that explains their transverse evolution.We propose that asymmetric motivation, power dispersion and previous success are themain ‘disruptive drivers’ that explain why PNs come to life and evolve transversely bydriving new PNs.