Social Network Analysis of Regional Policy Making in South Transdanubia, Hungary

This report provides a social network analysis of regional policy making in South Transdanubia. The region is a pioneer in the formulation of regional institutional systems in Hungary whilst facing some of the hardest development challenges. As elsewhere in the EU, there have been a range of efforts to support regional policy making and development, including the establishment of regional development councils and agencies. This report focuses on the regional development processes, relevant policy structures, and presents key findings from social network analysis. First, the report examines the network relations between key partners from public and private spheres. Next, to determine the structural equivalence between members in regional policy making, a CONCOR analysis of strategic ties is discussed and findings are presented. This research is supported by qualitative data, including interviews with a range of actors involved in regional planning. The report identifies several problematic issues in regional policy making, including tensions among different agencies, and offers some suggestions for addressing these issues.