Title: Adoption of a focal production innovation within a supply network

Authors: Thomas F. Burgess, Stephen M. Burkinshaw, Arun P. Vijayan

Addresses: Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. ' School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. ' School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Abstract: An empirical study using mixed-methods is reported into the barriers and facilitating factors for the diffusion of Digital Inkjet Printing (DIP) as a full-scale production method within the supply network of the textile manufacturing industry. Data are obtained from interviews with a convenience sample of 27 organisations representing the main stakeholder groups in the network. To guide the analysis, a conceptual framework is applied that focuses on four key aspects: knowledge of the technology, perceived characteristics of the technology, network relationships and absorptive capacities associated with three areas of innovation: product, process and administrative. Earlier industry use of DIP to produce samples is shown to play a part in promoting the technology as a full-scale production method. The supply network is not dominated by any particular stakeholder group and anticipated production costs are an important influence on adoption activity.

Keywords: production innovation; supply networks; digital inkjet printing; DIP; textile manufacturing; production costs; supply chain management; SCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2006.011073

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2006 Vol.7 No.6, pp.628 - 642

Published online: 07 Oct 2006 *

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