雖然博物館網絡合作的倡議已久且常見於實務運作,但是博物館網絡合作現象的研究卻很少觸及政府政策的議題,使得我們對於政府在推動此網絡合作的角色之理解仍十分有限。本研究採深入訪談的質化研究,經由與國內外博物館主要管理者及相關機構的從業人員,包括政府部門、學者專家、公立大型博物館、私立小型博物館以及博物館網絡與系統等利害關係人,進行深度訪談,以理解政府在推動博物館合作網絡所扮演的角色。研究發現博物館網絡的形成,多數為公共政策施行的產物,這類公共政策常見於各國博物館的實際運作事務,且當博物館網絡無法藉由彼此協商來管理合作關係時,組織可透過政府政策或所屬較大社會體系的更大權力來促成網絡合作。政府介入博物館網絡,是形成博物館網絡最重要的因素之一,印證了各國博物館合作網絡的形成是來自於政府的驅動與主導。
Museum networks have been in place for a long time. However, little research has been done on the phenomena of museum networks in relation to government policy. Thus, our understanding of the government's role in promoting museum networks is very limited. Quantitative research methods were adopted in this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with academics, administrators of domestic and foreign museums, both large public and small private museums, and professionals working in relevant organizations, such as government agencies. The results indicated that most museum networks are formed as a result of government policy with the government serving as the driver of and leading force in their development. This is the case in many countries. Museums join networks not only to secure necessary resources but also to benefit from the social interactions they facilitate.