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The influence of supply chain on the innovation process: a systematic literature review

Ricardo Zimmermann (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering, and Tourism, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal)
Luís Miguel D.F. Ferreira (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering, and Tourism, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal)
Antonio Carrizo Moreira (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering, and Tourism, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal)

Supply Chain Management

ISSN: 1359-8546

Article publication date: 9 May 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The importance of innovation as a generator of competitive advantage and the collaborative nature of this process are recurring themes in the literature. This paper aims to contribute to the improvement of knowledge about the relationship between supply chains and the innovation process by means of a systematic literature review.

Methodology/approach

The method used consists of the identification, selection, analysis and synthesis of existing research on the subject and aims to ensure that the review is transparent, auditable and replicable. This paper presents the analysis of 94 papers from 37 journals and the major contributions are explored.

Findings

The identification and analysis of relevant articles showed the complexity, timeliness and the wide-ranging character of the theme. The analysis of articles allowed the identification of facilitators of the innovation process, as well as five approaches applicable to supply chains to drive the innovation process. From these analyses, a model synthesising the main practices identified for improving innovation performance is presented.

Research limitations/implications

When carrying out literature reviews, the selection of articles might be considered subjective. To circumvent this limitation, the papers have been assessed by three researchers.

Practical implications

The results presented can be applied in the decision-making process by managers in the areas of innovation and supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises knowledge involving the relationships between supply chains and the innovation process. The analysis is based on quantitative and qualitative criteria.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) by the financial support of this work by means of a PhD scholarship with co-participation of the European Social Fund.

Citation

Zimmermann, R., D.F. Ferreira, L.M. and Carrizo Moreira, A. (2016), "The influence of supply chain on the innovation process: a systematic literature review", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 289-304. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-07-2015-0266

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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