Technocratic Organization: The Power of Networks

Abstract

The new technocratic pursuit of an imperative but difficult transition to a network state in the ‘information age’ is analyzed. Focusing on the interplay between technology and organization, the chapter argues that the new technocracy is defined by a new commitment to the power of networks, in stark contrast to the earlier preoccupation with large- scale and vertically integrated bureaucratic organization. Three types of new governance particularly invested in this development are discussed in more detail: communicative governance, collaborative governance and multilevel governance.