Building a new supply chain position : an exploratory study of companies in the timber-housing industry

• In this paper, we explore challenges in implementing innovations that require that companies establish new positions in a construction supply chain. Based on three in-depth case studies in the Swedish wood-working industry, it is concluded that different challenges arise depending on how the company establishes the new position (through organic growth, collaboration or acquisition), and whether the company moves backwards or forwards in the supply chain. Challenges are path-dependent on previous competencies and relationships, where technology-oriented companies have customer-related difficulties, and market-oriented companies’ challenges mainly arise out of technological solutions. Further challenges appear in establishing new relationships at new positions, and emerge from norms and understandings in established structures. We also elaborate on how managers may approach similar kinds of innovations, and build a new supply chain position in any context.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Construction industry; Innovation; Supply chain management; Position

Business studies

Företagsekonomi

företagsekonomi

Business Administration

TECHNOLOGY

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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