Title: The evolution of commercial aerospace supply chains and the facilitation of innovation

Authors: C. Rose-Anderssen, K. Ridgway, J.S. Baldwin, P.M. Allen, L. Varga, M. Strathern

Addresses: Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. ' Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. ' School of Management, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. ' Complex Systems Research Centre, School of Management, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK. ' Complex Systems Research Centre, School of Management, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK. ' Complex Systems Research Centre, School of Management, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK

Abstract: The paper sets out to explore the effects relationships in commercial aerospace supply chains have on innovation and competitive advantage. A perspective of supply chains as complex activity systems is used for data analysis. Competitive advantage is searched through product innovation facilitated by risk-sharing partnerships. This is characterised by expansive learning processes of creating instruments for initialising, implementing and nurturing these relationships. These processes take place in a terrain of complex power exercises. The long-term effects are totally dependent on the success of nurturing the relationships.

Keywords: aerospace supply chains; supply chain evolution; complex activity networks; effects relationships; product innovation; risk sharing; supply chain management; SCM; competitive advantage; learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJECRM.2008.019569

International Journal of Electronic Customer Relationship Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.1, pp.63 - 84

Published online: 16 Jul 2008 *

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