SUPPLY NETWORKS - GENESIS, STABILITY AND LOGISTICS IMPLICATIONS - A COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS OF 2 DISTRICTS

This study concerns networks whose elements are made up of manufacturi ng units linked by supply relationships. The authors, comparing the ev olution of two industrial districts, analyse the variables that determ ine or impede the formation of strong linked buyer-suppliers systems, influence the network stability and fashion the logistic pipeline mapp ing and management. Three central propositions are discussed: (a) the setting up of a supply network process is connected to the presence of operational interdependencies between the units of the supply chain; (b) the stability and effectiveness of a supply network is closely bou nd to the ability, on the part of the core-firm, to plan the governanc e structure of the supply relationship; and (c) the product structure and the nature of the process influence the networking process.