Title: Configuration of supply chains in emerging industries: a multiple-case study in the wave-and-tidal energy industry

Authors: Øyvind Bjørgum; Torbjørn H. Netland

Addresses: Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway ' Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract: Companies in emerging industries face particular challenges in configuring effective supply chains. In this paper, we build on transaction cost economics to explore how supply chains can be configured in emerging industries. We focus on two key aspects of supply chain configuration: the make-or-buy decision and the strength of the ties between a focal firm and its suppliers. We utilise a multiple-case study methodology, including seven start-up companies in the emerging wave-and-tidal energy industry. We propose three models for supply chain configuration in emerging industries - 'the market model', 'the ally model' and 'the maker model' - and discuss the circumstances in which each model is suitable.

Keywords: supply chain configuration; emerging industries; wave energy; tidal energy; tidal power; wave power; supply chain management; SCM; transaction cost economics; TCE; make-or-buy decisions; buyer-supplier relationship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2017.082007

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.31 No.1/2/3, pp.133 - 152

Received: 18 Apr 2015
Accepted: 23 Sep 2015

Published online: 01 Feb 2017 *

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