Coordinating global inter‐firm product development

Global product development requires complex international inter‐firm coordination between suppliers and manufacturers. Prior research on the impact of opportunities and risks of supplier‐manufacturer partnership in the context of global product development is relatively limited. The purpose of this article is to explore the rich interactions among global supplier‐manufacturer relationships.

Based on the extensive review of global product development practices, an integrative framework of the global supplier‐manufacturer partnership is presented.

Effective inter‐firm practices require firstly, global inter‐firm interaction practices that balance opportunities and risks; and secondly, specific process and product outcome measures.

This research model needs further empirical validation.

Managers may identify opportunities and risks associated with supplier‐manufacturer partnership and translate them into meaningful inter‐firm practices for global competitive advantages.

The research framework articulates the interrelationships that exist among global inter‐firm product development processes. Practicing managers may find useful insights in making their global new product launching decisions.