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This paper offers a constructivist theory of governance. It begins by challenging rational choice and institutionalist accounts for neglecting meanings. If we are to take meanings seriously, we need to allow for the constructed nature of governance -- governance depends on concepts that are themselves in part products of wider webs of belief. The paper then argues, first, that constructivism is compatible with various forms of realism, and, second, that constructivism is strengthened by recognition of situated agency. Finally, the paper identifies the kind of aggregate concepts associated with this type of constructivism. Adapted from the source document.

Blockchain is a new information technology that can be used in many areas of human activity. The fi rst and most famous example of the use of blockchain technology is the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Today, cryptocurrency has transformed into a publicly recognized means of payment, a virtual currency that is accepted by large and small enterprises, corporations and services. Today, they conduct research and implement a number of projects using Blockchain technology in such areas as healthcare, media, electronic voting, fi le storage, smart contracts, insurance, the public sector (issuing passports, collecting taxes, registering land plots), etc. The IBM Corporation is researching Blockchain technology and is working on the creation of software, with the help of which partners will be able to conclude digital contracts that will be recorded in the global network. IBM is also implementing a project called Adept, which aims to track network-connected devices using Blockchain technology. The purpose of this article is to study the directions of using Blockchain in public policy.

Institutional analysis and analysis of documents of key educational integration
processes in Europe: Bologna process and Copenhagen process. Revelation of
mechanisms of governance of educational areas created on the basis of these
processes and comparison of this mechanisms with ones of governance of the
common space of research and education including cultural aspects that is being build
between the EU and Russia. Conclusions: no single center in Bologna process, in
spite of existence of the Bologna Follow-Up Group as formal governance body; the
governance body of Copenhagen process is definite and it is the same organization
that started the process; such model is more efficient.

A review essay on books by (1) T. Christensen & P. Laegreid [Eds], Transcending New Public Management: The Transformation of Public Sector Reforms (Aldershot, Ashgate, 2007); (2) M. Hill & P. Hupe, Implementing Public Policy (London: Sage, 2008); (3) E. C. Page & B. Jenkins, Policy Bureaucracy: Government with a Cast of Thousands (Oxford: Oxford U Press, 2005); (4) E. Sorenson & J. Torfing, Theories of Democratic Network Governance (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2007); & (5) F. Vibert, The Rise of the Unelected: Democracy and the New Separation of Powers (Cambridge: Cambridge U Press, 2007).

The article presents the main theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of regional governance, existing in sociology. The author comes to the conclusion that, in the framework of the study of regional governance in Russia, structural-functional, neoinstitutional, activity approaches possess adequate analytical and explanatory potential, which will allow to highlight the criteria for the formation and functioning of the regional governance model in modern Russian society.

The article deals with governance system improvement with public property in
the course of innovation activity. The main governance principles with public
property are picked out and innovation tendencies of governance system
improvement with public property are determined.