The article discusses how policy networks can balance exploring new ideas and exploiting existing ones to support small and medium-sized businesses in the Basque Country. The researchers used case studies to understand how different network features and individual characteristics affect innovation and network sustainability. They found that diversity in participants and a balance between exploration and exploitation are key drivers of success in these networks. Leadership style and local institutional capacity did not show clear effects. The study suggests that a mix of theory and practical knowledge is important for understanding and improving policy networks.