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Abstract
This article contributes to the general understanding of governance in networks and the achievement of private and
common goals. Integrating transaction costs and social network theory, a simple integrated framework is provided
for understanding why firms collaborate and under which conditions they establish durable networks that succeed
in achieving goals. Network theory is extended by explicitly distinguishing between firm and network level
governance, and by identifying governance mechanisms that adapt, coordinate, and safeguard customized
exchanges. This way issues as how networks evolve, how they are governed, and ultimately, how collective
outcomes might be generated can be better comprehended. This is especially relevant to policy planners and those
having a perspective that goes beyond the performance of individual organizations.