The alignment framework

This article provides an overview of the alignment framework, also called the coherence framework. Its aim is twofold, as it fi rst documents the recent improvements of the framework and secondly outlines the conceptual foundations for the case studies of this special issue. The framework is in fact a tool for the evaluation of the performance of the network industries. As such, it is based upon an assessment of the degree of alignment between the related technologies and institutions. More precisely, the article starts out by reviewing the constituting parts of the framework, followed by a discussion of three improvements to the framework, namely the refi nement of the alignment defi nition, the development of the role of the actors, as well as further contributions to the role of convergence and innovation. Finally, the link between alignment and performance is discussed in more detail.