European Networks and Cultural Governance: How Culture Makes Policy

In an interconnected world, where Europe needs to respond to complex societal challenges, a new form of governance has emerged, driven by the rise of transnational networks (TNs). This book delves into this transformative evolution, unravelling the intricate dynamics between cultural networks, policymaking and creative ecosystems within and beyond the EU.

Over three decades, these networks have morphed from informal collaborations into robust entities pivotal in shaping EU cultural policies and sectors. This book explores how TNs, propelled by EU funding initiatives, have redefined cultural governance by fostering cross-border cooperation and promoting European integration. Through a blend of institutional and ethnographic analysis, the chapters dissect the multifaceted roles of TNs, from their influence on local creative practices to their strategic impact on policy discourse and ideational changes. Furthermore, by presenting case studies and novel analytical indicators to assess networks, the book highlights the nuanced interplay between global and local dynamics in cultural governance. Overall, the work challenges traditional narratives and proposes a fresh perspective on how transnational networks function as both top-down and bottom-up instruments, shaping a shared European cultural space in symbolic, cognitive and structural terms.

This volume is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand the transformative power of creative networks in the EU's governance landscape. This compelling examination not only enhances comprehension of multilevel cultural governance but also paves the way for strategic foresight in cultural policymaking across Europe and beyond.