ABSTRACT

Supply chain innovation (SCI) has been cited as a key source of competitive advantage. Previous studies have focused on the role of suppliers as a valuable source of innovation. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are constantly faced with dramatic changes and the need to constantly innovate. Literature has investigated how focal firm’s innovation requirements are passed on to suppliers. Dependency on suppliers for SCI, however, is less understood. This study explored how firms manage dependency on suppliers for SCI. The qualitative study consisted of 10 semi-structured interviews with OEMs operating in South Africa. Employing resource dependency theory (RDT), relational view (RV) and absorptive capacity (AC), the study outlines strategies to manage dependency on suppliers. Three main strategies were explored, namely, building internal capability by promoting innovation internally, long-term relationships with suppliers and the influence of absorptive capacity and learning in reducing dependency on suppliers for SCI. Findings show that firms employ these strategies in isolation while highlighting the potential for an integrated approach. The study suggests ways in which firms can continue to work with their suppliers and still unlock benefits that reduce their dependency on suppliers.

摘要

供应链创新 (SCI) 被认为是竞争优势的关键来源。以前的研究侧重于供应商作为创新的宝贵来源的作用。OEM（原始设备制造商）不断面临着巨大的变化和不断创新的需求。文献研究了焦点公司的创新要求如何传递给供应商。然而，人们对 SCI 对供应商的依赖性知之甚少。本研究探讨了公司如何管理 SCI 对供应商的依赖。定性研究包括对在南非运营的原始设备制造商的 10 次半结构化访谈。该研究利用资源依赖理论 (RDT)、关系观 (RV) 和吸收能力 (AC)，概述了管理对供应商依赖的策略。探讨了三个主要策略，即 通过促进内部创新、与供应商的长期关系以及吸收能力和学习的影响来建立内部能力，以减少对供应商的 SCI 依赖。调查结果表明，公司孤立地采用这些策略，同时突出了综合方法的潜力。该研究提出了公司可以继续与供应商合作并仍然释放减少对供应商依赖的好处的方法。