Coordinating global inter-firm product development

Purposes - 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. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the extensive review of global product development practices, an integrative framework of the global supplier-manufacturer partnership is presented. Findings - Effective inter-firm practices require firstly, global inter-firm interaction practices that balance opportunities and risks; and secondly, specific process and product outcome measures. Research limitations/implications - This research model needs further empirical validation. Practical implications - Managers may identify opportunities and risks associated with supplier-manufacturer partnership and translate them into meaningful inter-firm practices for global competitive advantages. Originality/value - 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.