Mapping industrial systems - a supply network perspective on enabling technologies, processes and actors

Abstract

This paper develops a multi-layered multi-stage mapping approach to explore the characteristics of emerging industry supply networks (EI SNs), and how enabling production technologies and supply chain processes are supported by institutional, industrial and supply network actors. The mapping methodology involves the systematic capture of material transformations, enabling product and process technologies, and the actors, both institutional and industrial that might facilitate industrial development. A key research challenge was to extend traditional methods of SN mapping and value chain analysis that typically adopt a narrow focal firm perspective of a firm's supply network, to also include key institutional, and other industrial system actors that form part of the wider industrial ecosystem. An industrial ecosystem mapping methodology was therefore developed that integrates and extends value chain analysis with SN configuration mapping, applied to a broader industrial systems context. The methodology is demonstrated in selected EI sectors to demonstrate the utility of the approach.