Factors of technology selection affecting the configuration of supply chain in innovative industries: A survey of UK companies in the composites industry

The configuration of the supply chain is one of the main challenges faced by organizations operating in young, dynamic industries characterized for the use of new materials and technological innovations. In composites materials, a young developing industry, there is not a neither standard manufacturing process, nor are there standardized materials with defined or proscribed properties for companies to select. Using a survey of companies in the UK’s composites material industry this research investigates 19 factors related to technology selection in manufacturing and supply chain configuration. The analysis performed includes descriptive statistics and correlation tests. The results for factors influencing manufacturing technology selection shows that improvement of quality and reduction of inventory levels received the highest and lowest average rates respectively. Regarding supply chain configuration, selection of the right manufacturing technology showed the highest average rate followed by on time deliveries/service level to customers. The responses are not conclusive yet indicative of some trends the composites materials industry in the UK needs to address as some important factors affect the configuration of their supply chain.