In the field of the physical environment, public managers perceive fragmentation between
projects and policies as problematic. This fragmentation leads to complexity and coherence
challenges for program management. This PhD thesis analyses how program management
uses its connective capacities to cope with such complexity. The cases Policy with Citizens
and Amsterdam Metropolitan Region show how program managements’ connective
capacities evolve in relation to projects and strategic networks. It then concludes that
program management continuously searches for a temporal equilibrium in managing
interdependencies. This means that e.g. in project selection strategies, program management
balances between 1) relating to a high variety of projects and 2) connecting with major
projects to create impact. The effect of each strategy depends on the interaction of
fragmented elements in governance processes. Finally, this thesis provides
recommendations for public managers coping with complexity. Public managers need to
consider program management as a distinctive approach and an adaptive arrangement in
complex governance processes. Program managements’ connective capacities can deliver
added value in these processes through e.g. reciprocal disciplining and adaptation between
multiple actors in regional development. It is also recommended to program management to
vary leadership styles to match the need for connective capacity.