Riggs, Rebecca Anne, Langston, James Douglas, and Sayaza, Mas Davino (2024) Practical considerations for network analysis in research and decision-making: Drawing from diverse approaches for grounded insights. In: UNSPECIFIED, (ed.) Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance Methods and Frameworks. Routledge, London, United Kingdom, pp. 117-137.

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Abstract

Decision-making in natural resources systems is the result of complex interactions between state and non-state institutions at multiple scales. Network science – the study of networks – helps researchers and practitioners to analyze and visualize these institutions, providing insights into relationships, power and the distribution of knowledge. Network analysis is widely acknowledged as a useful tool in natural resource governance, yet reflections on the practical application in researching institutions are limited. This chapter reviews guidance on applying network analysis in natural resource governance systems, outlining diverse approaches for research. In both formal and informal systems, network analysis can help understand key actors, capabilities, influence and coordination. These insights offer pathways for building trust, institutional fit and governance functionality. This chapter discusses practicalities of research design, including data collection, analytical techniques and integration with qualitative methods. The case study of Maluku, Indonesia, is used to highlight the benefits and limitations of network analysis in polycentric forest landscape governance. Network analysis can take many forms, offering researchers a range of approaches that can be tailored to different needs. This chapter considers benefits and limitations of different approaches and discusses opportunities for grounding empirical research on integrating network analysis in researching institutions.

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