Abstract: In analyses, debates and policies to address global ecological and socio-economic effects of economic development the term "sustainable development" is increasingly used. In that context the role of markets and the role of public and private policies aimed to shape sustainable markets, i.e. markets that are instrumental in advancing sustainable development has been focused in a large number of policy initiatives. However, a policy needs to be translated into changes in market practice towards sustainability to have any effect. To understand this process an interdisciplinary approach is suggested that integrates knowledge and frameworks from research on business networks, institutional economics,institutional organization and sense-making in market practice studies.In such a process contracting in business networks is a crucial phenomenon that requiers more research.

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