Approaches to innovation amongst component suppliers: some smaller firm perspectives
by Ian K. Oakes, Gloria L. Lee
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 12, No. 7/8, 1996

Abstract: The authors relate approaches to innovation amongst smaller firms to changes confronting component suppliers. The discussion draws on the experiences of four smaller component suppliers who are part of a research project into the impact of changes in supply chain relationships on the operation of some small and medium sized manufacturing firms in the West Midlands. The article explains why such component suppliers in the automotive supply chain are being forced to make strategic decisions regarding their future role. A typology is introduced which distinguishes innovation in work organization with that based upon technological change and strategies based on market concentration or market diversification. The four case studies illustrate why component suppliers are having to make these types of strategic choices and their likely impact upon future competitiveness.

Online publication date: Fri, 22-May-2009

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