Network dynamics in the UK pharmaceutical network — a network-as-practice perspective

Abstract

In order to capture different aspects of change within different actor groups of a distribution network, a network-as-practice perspective (NPP) is used in this study, which looks at performative aspects of an exchange system. This approach, based on the ‘practice-turn’, is framing the development of an analytical framework, which describes practices, translations, as well as mediations of change within the business network. Based on a case-study approach, we analyse the UK pharmaceutical distribution network between 2007 and 2011. Of particular interest are the network dynamics, i.e. changes between the past and today. We focus on two pertinent themes of network dynamics relating to the introduction of a single-wholesaler distribution scheme, and reimbursement and remuneration processes. By analysing this network as a case and by exploring the processes of interaction, practices, translations, and mediations in this unstable network, our paper contributes to the growing body of literature on network dynamics and markets-as-networks using a practice-based approach.