ABSTRACT
The network approach to understanding public policies denotes a move away from a narrow hierarchical reasoning, in which decision-making was seen to take place within the frames of a hierarchy, to attending to networks and cooperative relations. The network approach is an obvious angle when discussing internationalization in the Danish regions. First, motives of international cooperation are often linked to policy challenges which are characterized by being complex and cross-national. Second, the organization of the international cooperation of the regions is often similar to networks. The international cooperation of the Region of Southern Denmark includes a number of different activities. Some originate from specific problems, such as hospital capacity, whereas others primarily have a developmental aim or focus on informing about international opportunities especially related to the EU. The strategy of internationalization tries to link the international dimension to the region's main tasks and incorporate it into the strategies within these areas.
