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Title:: The Inclusiveness in the Third Generation Public PolicyNetwork Research in Western Countries

Abstract:: Over the past decade, the third generation policy network research in western countries has absorbed the theory and method of social network analysis. In terms of method, it tries to integrate(or overcome)the divergences and problems caused by the tension between “structure and agency”; “qualitative and quantitative”; “description, explanation and normalization”; and “mono-disciplinary and multidisciplinary” in traditional social science. In terms of theory, it is highly inclusive in integrating among others new institutionalism theory, social capital theory, governance theory and game ecology theory. Considering the formation of policy network, the third generation research on policy network is also applicable to Chinese public policy practice. Because of the difference in social structure and complexity of public policy, Chinese policy network research has its own advantages and disadvantages. Taking all this into consideration, this paper attempts to explore the theoretical potential for the research on Chinese policy network.