Industrial networks of the future: a critical commentary on research and practice

David Bennett, Rob Dekkers

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

    Abstract

    Academia has followed the interest by companies in establishing industrial networks by studying aspects such as social interaction and contractual relationships. But what patterns underlie the emergence of industrial networks and what support should research provide for practitioners? Firstly, it seems that manufacturing is becoming a commodity rather than a unique capability, which accounts especially for low-technology approaches in downstream parts of the network, for example in assembly operations. Secondly, the increased tendency to specialize forces other parts of industrial networks to introduce advanced manufacturing technologies for niche markets. Thirdly, the capital market for investments in capacity and the trade in manufacturing as a commodity dominates resource allocation to a larger extent. Fourthly, there will be a continuous move toward more loosely connected entities forming manufacturing networks. More traditional concepts, like keiretsu and chaibol networks, do not sufficiently support this transition. Research should address these fundamental challenges to prepare for the industrial networks of 2020 and beyond.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPapers of the 12th International EurOMA Conference on Operational and Global Competitiveness
    EditorsKrisztina Demeter
    Pages677-686
    Number of pages10
    Publication statusPublished - 2005
    Event12th International EurOMA Conference Diamond Congress Ltds - Budapest, Hungary
    Duration: 19 Jun 200522 Jun 2005

    Conference

    Conference12th International EurOMA Conference Diamond Congress Ltds
    Abbreviated titleEurOMA 2005
    Country/TerritoryHungary
    CityBudapest
    Period19/06/0522/06/05
    OtherInternational Conference on Operations and Global Competitiveness

    Keywords

    • international manufacturing
    • networks
    • competitiveness

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