Cultivating health policy capacity through network governance in New Zealand: learning from divergent stories of policy implementation

Abstract Wu, Howlett, and Ramesh’s understanding of policy capacity has been used to identify generalizable strengths weaknesses specific jurisdictions sectors such as health. In an extension this work, Howlett Ramesh have argued that the mode governance a sector accentuates importance elements capacity. paper we focus on implementation System Level Measures Framework (SLMF) in New Zealand specifically focused health systems improvement which aimed do so by fostering network at local level. However, is introduced context there significant contestation regarding governance—network or hierarchy—is dominant policy. By exploring three divergent cases SLMF develop arguments contribute literature Firstly, histories interorganizational play crucial role shaping Secondly, it crucially important understand dynamics feedback loops between operational, political, analytical Network hierarchical are characterized distinct contrasting understandings content way they dynamically related. Thirdly, key challenge developing compatible with how facilitate when connections fail fire.