Driving innovation in supply chains: an examination of advanced manufacturing and food industries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how supply chains can become more resilient through innovation initiatives. It examines the expansion and deepening of relationships between buyers and suppliers and the facilitatory role of the government in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares supply chains in the advanced manufacturing and food industries. It is based on qualitative research involving case studies and in-depth interviews with buyers, suppliers and facilitators from government.

Findings

The study reveals that innovation is critical in building more resilient supply chains. It uncovers the importance of power distribution, coordination, communication, trust and commitment for innovation within these relationships.

Practical implications

It provides implications about how best to develop effective buyer–supplier relationships through innovation and diversification, for marketing and purchasing managers, CEOs of manufacturing companies and suppliers and government players with responsibility for industry development and innovation.

Originality/value

It advances the industrial buyer–supplier literature by extending the predominantly business-to-business supply chain perspective to include the role of government in supply chains and their innovation.

Citation

Rampersad, G.C., Hordacre, A.-L. and Spoehr, J. (2020), "Driving innovation in supply chains: an examination of advanced manufacturing and food industries", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 835-847. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-03-2019-0101