ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to create a research framework, which would range more broadly beyond what appears in the neorealist approach. It discusses an analytical framework which can overcome international/domestic division, and which can explain the dynamics of the evolution of European space collaboration, even though the main emphasis of the study is analytical rather than theoretical. The chapter seeks to find out how important institutions are in the process of decision-making, and how institutions will make a difference in the outcome of that process. Rational choice institutionalists regard institutions as a solution to the collective action problems which reduce transaction costs. Historical institutionalism distinguishes itself from rational choice institutionalism in three respects: the role of institutions; preference formation; and actors' rationality. The degree of strategic importance of space policy may make differences in the 'images' of policy-making process among European countries. The concept of epistemic community limits its scope of application to the process of policy transformation.
