Working on identity, connectedness and embedding. An organizational perspective on integrated security networks in Belgian Euregions
The article describes the results of a research-project focusing on the effective and efficient functioning of 6 integrated safety-and-security networks in 2 Belgian Euregions, being the Euregion Maas-Rijn and the Euregion Eurometropool. These networks are defined as cross-border partnerships within the European Union between the public and private actors of the integrated safety chain present in a particular transnational region. The key-actors of these networks are the respective police, judicial and governmental organizations. It concerns an explorative case-study research in which the so-called social network perspective (i.e. organization theory) leads to the formulation of several conclusions and policy advices. In general the functioning can be improved by (1) creating a – more extensive – common ‘cognition’ (i.e. shared language, codes, stories and frames of reference), (2) strengthening the internal relationships and mutual trust between the partners and (3) structurally clarifying and stabilizing positions, information exchange and control.