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The purpose of this paper is to investigate and present the properties of a new substrate material based on thermoplastic polymers (so‐called LuVo Board) for high‐frequency applications.

The thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of a new thermoplastic substrate are investigated and compared to conventional substrates for printed circuit board (PCB) applications.

The new LuVo Board exhibits similar properties to commercially available high‐performance substrates. The main advantage of the LuVo Board is a reduction of manufacturing costs in comparison to conventional substrates, as a highly automated manufacturing process can be employed. Moreover, the LuVo Board exhibits some further advantages: the material is inherently flame resistant and can be thermally shaped after the assembly process.

This paper presents an entirely new thermoplastic substrate, which can be employed in high‐frequency applications. In comparison to standard materials, a further advantage of the thermoplastic substrate is lower production costs.

Despite the increased focus on brands in B2B markets, little research to date has focused on understanding the role brands play in different B2B contexts. To make a contribution in this area, the article aims to investigate whether, why and how corporate brand image plays a role in the selection of new subcontractors. This category of firms is particularly challenging to explore from a branding perspective, as their market offering is defined and designed by their customer and, further, not recognized by the customer's customer.

A qualitative interview study with respondents from nine companies (three subcontractors and six of their customers) was conducted. The interviews were semi‐structured and focused on considerations made by both buyers and sellers in sales and purchasing processes.

The study reveals that corporate brand image can be especially important when buyers need to identify new subcontractors. This process is only partly formalized, and due to limited resources and perceived risk, buyers need to rationalize the selection process. The brand's primary role is to attract interest and provide trust with regard to capacity, on‐time delivery and competence. Explicit communications, utilizing various elements such as plant orderliness, previous clients, the firm's website, etc., help build up the brand.

The paper illustrates that a corporate brand and branding perspective can be fruitfully applied in a subcontractor context. It promotes a deeper understanding of the complexity of decision making in B2B markets. The findings suggest that more conscious and proactive branding efforts could improve a subcontractor's business.

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key capabilities required in supply net management.

Uses the Management Capability Framework to break down supply net management into different modes and identify capabilities required in them.

Reveals that the supply activity of companies increasingly takes place in intentionally developed strategic networks called supply nets. These networks pose distinctive challenges for supply chain management. Identifies four diverse but simultaneously extant modes of management in the supply net context, and discusses the key managerial capabilities in each mode.

Provides a conceptual framework to fulfill the identified need to understand management in the network management context. This paper enables researchers and business practitioners to identify the strategic focus and key capabilities required in managing supply nets.