Title: Interactions between R&D and production in globalisation

Authors: Yang Cheng; Yongjiang Shi; John Johansen

Addresses: Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 10, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark ' Centre for International Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK ' Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 10, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark

Abstract: This paper addresses the gap in operations management literature concerning the interrelationship between the globalisation of R&D and production and attempts to explore how R&D and production interact with each other in their globalisation. Based on two case studies, this paper identifies two approaches for the globalisation of R&D and production. Furthermore, this paper suggests that the interfaces between R&D and production are significant with regard to understanding the selection of these two globalisation approaches. Additionally, this paper indicates that research may need to be treated separately from development (engineering) with regard to their globalisation processes. We conclude this paper with managerial suggestions and possible directions for future research.

Keywords: globalisation; R&D; research and development; engineering; production; operations management; R&D-production interfaces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2012.052100

International Journal of Product Development, 2012 Vol.17 No.3/4, pp.174 - 188

Published online: 30 Dec 2014 *

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