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Additive manufacturing technologies and business models – a systematic literature review

Henrik Florén (Department of Innovation Management, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden) (Digital Systems, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Hudiksvall, Sweden)
Henrik Barth (Department of Innovation Management, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden)
Jeanette Gullbrand (Department of Innovation Management, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden)
Magnus Holmén (Department of Innovation Management, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden)

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management

ISSN: 1741-038X

Article publication date: 10 December 2020

Issue publication date: 5 January 2021

1047

Abstract

Purpose

This paper reviews research on the intersection between additive manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and business models (BM). The purpose of the review is to synthesize past research for the benefit of researchers, to describe the dominant research themes and aggregated research questions and to identify research gaps in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of secondary data was conducted. The 288 publications in the review appeared in peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings papers and book chapters. All publications are listed in this paper by publication year and publication source. The review also distinguishes between empirical and non-empirical studies, describes methodological approaches and categorizes the publications by unit of analysis and by theme.

Findings

Research on the intersection between AMT and BM, which has increased significantly in the last three years, reflects firms' and industries' growing interest in digital manufacturing processes. This review identifies twelve dominant themes in the literature that contribute important insights to the field. Aggregated research questions are identified in each theme. Research advances and gaps are presented. Four themes relate directly to BM: (1) BM types, (2) BM and technology, (3) BM design and processes and (4) BM value and supply chains.

Originality/value

This review is the first systematic literature review on the intersection between AMT and BM. As such, the review provides a guide for researchers as they explore gaps in the research and develop research questions on an aggregated level. The review also supports users of such technologies as they review their business practices and models in the so-called Digital Revolution.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors want to express their gratitude to The Knowledge Foundation (Stiftelsen för kunskaps‐ och kompetensutveckling, KK‐stiftelsen), grant number 20160304, for providing the financial support that has made this study possible.

Citation

Florén, H., Barth, H., Gullbrand, J. and Holmén, M. (2021), "Additive manufacturing technologies and business models – a systematic literature review", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 136-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-01-2020-0009

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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