The role of resource allocation for regime performance in networks for local integration policies

Combining theoretical insights on complementary resources, collaborative capacity and regime performance of networks, this study aims to understand how resource allocation impacts the robustness and resilience of networks for local integration policies. The results are based on a quantitative and qualitative network analysis in four Belgian central cities (Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen), covering 1,403 organizations. Findings reveal a variation of the Matthew effect: resourceful organizations tend to become more resourceful, while peripheral organizations possessing few resources tend to crowd out. Networks are regime performant in terms of collaborations, though withdrawal of government grants could be detrimental to their robustness and resilience.