Location Flexibility in Global Supply Chains: The Efficiency-imitability Tradeoff and Sustained Competitive Advantage

Peter D. Ørberg Jensen*, Stephan Manning, Bent Petersen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This explorative study, which complements research on manufacturing, supplier, and governance flexibility, identifies and aims to fill a gap in extant research related to firms’ location flexibility in global supply chains. In an increasingly dynamic and globally integrated economic environment, firms are compelled to develop the capacity to swiftly relocate tasks and resources in order to reduce the impact of location-specific risks and to benefit from location opportunities as they emerge. From this perspective, the study outlines basic modes for developing location flexibility in order to sustain competitiveness in global sourcing and discusses the managerial tradeoffs between cost efficiency and imitability associated with these modes. We also touch upon various tradeoff-shifting mechanisms and propose principles for combining location-flexibility modes in a balanced way
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe New Frontiers of International Business
EditorsHemant Merchant
Number of pages27
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherSpringer
Publication date2022
Pages253-279
ISBN (Print)9783031060021
ISBN (Electronic)9783031060038
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
SeriesContributions to Management Science
ISSN1431-1941

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