The Origins of the European Coalition for Vision: Exploring the Formation of a Network

ABSTRACT

Despite growing interest in EU-level transnational networks, there is little understanding about how these form. This article investigates the formation of one network—the European Coalition for Vision (ECV). Using document analysis of 100 email exchanges, 12 semi-structured interviews, and observation of 5 ECV meetings, it identifies environmental and organizational triggers, most important to the creation of the ECV. Findings show that while environmental triggers played a role in ECV formation, organizational triggers were crucial. In particular, the presence of network leaders, a network entrepreneur and a network mentor were vital for the successful creation of the network.

KEYWORDS:

• European Union politics, process of network formation, transnational societal networks

Notes

¹ This anecdote provides an insightful illustration of how random, serendipitous and out of the blue the ECV’s formation was and thus how difficult it is to research such networks like the ECV.

² Policy network is understood here as “sets of formal institutional and informal linkages between governmental and other actors structured around shared if endlessly negotiated beliefs and interests in public policy making and implementation.” (Rhodes, 2006, p. 426).

³ The author is an observer member of the ECV network and participated in ECV meetings in this context. Original members of the network were identified via the email distribution list and as part of a snowballing technique whereby interviewees were asked to identify other initial network members.

⁴ For a summary of abundant literature on the network approach see Heard-Lauréote (2005).

⁵ Available at http://www.who.int/blindness/ACTION_PLAN_WHA62-1-English.pdf

⁶ Including some ECV members i.e. the Royal, National, Institute for the Blind (RNIB), Optical Confederation.

⁷ Observed, ECV member, ECV meeting of 1st October 2013.

⁸ Particularly by four members: AMDAI, RNIB, IAPB and the Optical Confederation who initially financed EPHA’s activities.

⁹ Observed, ECV member, ECV meeting of 1st October 2013.

¹⁰ IAPB published notes of a meeting held on 11th October 2012 and a proposal to establish a European coalition for eye health.

¹¹ COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.