Building Networks Through Policy Transfer: A Case Study of the Transnational History of Public Administration Clearing House

ABSTRACT Based on archival data, this study utilizes the theoretical framework of policy transfer to conduct a case analysis of the history of PACH's transnational dissemination of its unique networking ideas, institutional models, and practices in the mid‐20th century. The findings indicate that during the two stages before and after World War II, PACH's transnational transfer activities demonstrated different features in terms of motives, actors, content, routes, degrees, constraints, and facilitating factors for transfer. Our analysis shows the transnational transfer capabilities possessed by professional organizations as a special type of non‐state actor, as well as the dual influence of professional mission and geopolitical factors on its transfer processes. This study provides a complementary perspective and empirical evidence for explaining the network formation in the field of public administration. The findings may help contemporary public administrative organizations consider how to adopt more effective strategies to participate in global governance through transnational cooperation.