Support for the notion of networks is
growing rapidly across Europe, especially in
the public sector where faith in market and
hierarchy is diminishing. However, the concept
is still loosely interpreted and variably
applied. This article unpacks the concept of
network and goes on to suggest that a useful
model for application to a ‘whole systems’
approach is Ken Benson’s neglected framework
of an ‘inter-organisational network’. It
urges application of the framework to
specific contexts and issues.