Manufacturing strategies for the ecosystem-based manufacturing system in the context of 3D printing

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the manufacturing strategies for the manufacturing systems in the context of 3D printing, referring to ecosystem-based manufacturing systems, rather than firm-based and network-based ones. A case study approach was adopted for this research, as the data was mainly collected via semi-structured interviews with staff members of companies in China. Besides the elements of strategic choices and manufacturing capabilities identified in the extant literature, this research verified three additional strategic choice elements (functional role, platform and solution) and identified two factors (platform openness and solution diversity) to classify an ecosystem-based manufacturing system. Meanwhile, four manufacturing capabilities of the ecosystem-based manufacturing system have been identified: collaborative manufacturing flexibility, rapid thriftiness ability, self-customisation and co-evolved design capability. The research results contribute to the area of manufacturing strategy via expanding its view from the firm and network levels to the ecosystem level. Meanwhile, the research results present operations managers with an understanding of the strategic choices and manufacturing capabilities of an ecosystem-based manufacturing system in the context of 3D printing.

Keywords:

• manufacturing strategy
• manufacturing systems
• strategic choices
• manufacturing capability
• business ecosystem
• 3D printing

Acknowledgements

The authors of this publication have equity ownership in this publication. This publication is a further development of the conference paper listed below, the leading author and presenter of the conference paper is the correspondent author of this publication. The conference paper has been cited in this publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 71872098; 71834006; 71402051; 71704173]; the Beijing Excellent Talent Training Program; the Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program; the research project of the Institute for State-Owned Enterprises Tsinghua University [grant number 2018THUISOE07]. This work was also supported by the British Academy's SAMS (Society for the Advancement of Management Studies) [grant number SG140243].