Geography

South–North and South–South production networks: diverging socio-spatial practices of Indian pharmaceutical firms

Document Type

Article

Abstract

We know less about the structures and processes associated with South–South production networks than about those with a South–North orientation. Using an inductive approach, in this article we explore these differences by analysing the everyday practices that Indian pharmaceutical firms employ to meet production and quality standards, access markets and innovate. We use extensive primary interview evidence to demonstrate that Indian pharmaceutical firms employ different business practices towards Northern and Southern end markets. Our findings reveal the presence of significant discontinuities within the Indian pharmaceutical industry. They also demonstrate how a practice-oriented approach to the study of GPNs can help to identify some of the micro social processes through which governance is achieved and transformed over time, and divergences in value creation, enhancement and capture trajectories between Southern and Northern end markets.

Publication Title

Global Networks

Publication Date

2018

Volume

18

Issue

2

First Page

326

Last Page

351

ISSN

1470-2266

DOI

10.1111/glob.12159

Keywords

India, pharmaceuticals, practices, production networks, south–south

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