Towards an Exogenous Theory of Public Network Performance

This article offers insights into the complexity of assessing the performance of public networks. We have identified three so‐called exogenous factors: form of the network, type of inception—whether the network was initially formed as voluntary or mandated—and developmental stage of the network. We argue that where a network stands on each of these factors will determine the appropriateness of specific criteria for assessing the performance of the network.