Managing Uncertainties in Networks

Joop Koppenjan, Erik-Hans Klijn

As public and private sector organizations work more frequently in partnership, managing uncertainties, problems and controversies becomes increasingly difficult. Despite sophisticated technology and knowledge, the strategic networks and games required to solve uncertainties become more complex and more important than ever before. Managing Uncertainties in Networks is a new text that examines developments in the area of network strategy. Differentiating itself from other policy network approaches which have a mainly research focus, this text has a managerial orientation presenting strategies and management recommendations for public and private sector organizations as well as the analytical tools required by practitioners seeking to support their own internal decision making and strategy formulation. Topics covered include: * Knowledge conflicts* Uncertainties and governments* Technological controversies* Collaborative problem solving * Managing networks Tapping into the important and ever-growing area of risk and uncertainty management, this is a vital and long awaited staple for the arena written by two leading authors in the field. It will be key reading for students, scholars and policy makers seeking to understand the complexities of the network society.

Part 1: The Analysis of Uncertainties in Dealing with Complex Problems in Networks 1. Uncertainties in Dealing with Complex Problems in the Network Society 2. Uncertainty about Content: Knowledge Conflicts and Asymmetrical Debates 3. Uncertainty and Process: Problem Solving as Strategic Game 4. Uncertainty and Institutions: Patterns, Rules and Trust 5. Uncertainties and Governments: Old and New Responses 6. Summing Up: Dealing with Uncertainties in Networks Part 2: The Management of Uncertainties in Dealing with Complex Problems in Networks 7. Mapping Uncertainties in Games and Networks 8. Managing Content: Furthering Cross-Frame Reflection and the Creation of Negotiated Knowledge 9. Managing the Game 10. Managing the Network: Strategies for Institutional Design 11. Managing Uncertainties in Networks