Change or stability in the structure of interest group networks?

The journal article Change or stability in the structure of interest group networks? Evidence from Scottish Public Policy Consultations, has recently been published. Co-authored by Rob Ackland and Darren Halpin, the research presents a Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach to uncover the structure of group engagement in policymaking. 

Utilising a large data set compiled from records of policy consultations in Scotland over a continuous 25-year period, the authors conclude that while the policy map has grown in size – more consultations and more responding activity- there is no evidence of balkanisation (fragmentation), but rather, overlapping and interwoven policy spaces.