The role of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in supply network development
Aims
This is an exploratory study to:
- understand Regional development Agencies’ (RDAs’) strategic role in supply network development of local firms
- investigate how RDAs policies influences supply network development
- develop framework encapsulating key supply network development processes which guides RDAs industrial development policies
- understand phenomena and critical challenges of supply network development process of local manufacturing industries
- encapsulate supply network development practices among RDAs
Outcomes
The main outcomes of the research will be:
- Trends and practices of Supply Networks Development
- Conceptual framework to present elements of Supply Networks Development
- Summary of strategic processes of Supply Networks Development
Background
The UK medical device market is valued at over £7 billion and medical device companies represent a significant employment sector providing approximately 55,000 UK-based jobs. Current challenges for this industry include overseas competition, increasing imports and a deficit trade balance.
Supply chain management is continuously changing due to:
- the large number of small and undercapitalised companies
- the high requirement for investment in technology and innovation
- maturing product lines and shifting focus of the OEMs.
This research aims to identify the role of the regional development agencies in the East of England in supporting the supply network capabilities development for medical device industries.
Benefits to the stakeholders: Regional governments and firms
- Understanding of the key drivers, strategies, issues and challenges of supply network development phases.
- Understanding of government's role in supply network development of the medical device industry in the region for the mutual benefits and integration of activities.
Framework
Conceptual framework
Research Approach and Phases
The research seeks to answer the research question: what is the role of the development agencies in supply network development? The research work will be divided into three phases:
Phase I Exploratory
The aim of the exploratory phase is to identify key industrial issues and develop a conceptual framework |
Exploratory study:
Preliminary interviews with key partners and the Regional Development Agency |
Phase II Investigation
The investigation aims to involve industries, to understand industry supply-chain issues and problems |
Supply network (SN) investigation
SN coordination
SN capabilities
SN configuration
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Phase III Analysis
This phase aims to identify critical issues related to supply network development
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Supply Network Investigation
Map the support services provided to the medical device industry
Analyse key supply network capabilities required for the medical device industry
Identify opportunities for support to develop supply network capabilities |
Researchers
Companies involvement - how you can get involved
Company engagement process
- Stage I: Initial company engagement through brochure and semi-structured questions
- Stage II: Structure questions and group discussion with the Supply Chain Directors and Managers
- Stage III: Presentation and verification of data with the participating companies and refinement of the framework.
For more information about this project, please contact Dakshata Rana
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