Successful approaches for implementing additive manufacturing
World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2042-5961
Article publication date: 8 April 2020
Issue publication date: 18 May 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to explore the successful strategies that managers of light and high-tech small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the Netherlands, use to adopt additive manufacturing (AM) technology into their business models.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, multiple-case study approach was used. The participants for this study consisted of executive-level managers of light and high-tech manufacturing companies in the Netherlands. Company documents were studied, and individual interviews were undertaken with participants to gain an understanding of the strategies they used to adopt AM technology into their business models.
Findings
Three significant themes emerged from the data analysis: identify business opportunities for AM technology, experiment with AM technology and embed AM technology.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study could be of advantage to industry leaders and manufacturing managers who are contemplating to adopt AM in their business models.
Originality/value
This study may contribute to the further proliferation of AM technology. Industry leaders may also gain a clearer understanding of the effects of 3DP on local employment. The results of the study may also work as a catalyst for increased awareness for manufacturing firm leaders who have not yet considered the opportunities and threats AM technology presents to their organizations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Robert Martens for providing the seminal research, which significantly contributed to development of the paper.
Citation
Martens, R., Fan, S.K. and Dwyer, R.J. (2020), "Successful approaches for implementing additive manufacturing", World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 131-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-12-2019-0100
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited