Supply chain integration strategies in fast evolving industries

Purpose – We aim to define the ‘fast-evolving-industry’ (FEI) and its supply chain management (SCM) challenges. We review and structure the literature regarding integration strategies and implementation methods to develop a strategic decision-making framework for SCM in the FEI. Design/methodology/approach – We conduct a review of SCM literature, including supply chain strategy, supply chain integration (SCI), agile and responsive supply chain and SCM for innovative and fast-changing industries. We develop a conceptual model and a decision-making framework and use four mini cases to provide support for the model and framework. Findings – The FEI, characterised by a high level of innovation and differentiation, short products/services lifecycle and high variety, is yet to be fully defined. Inherent uncertainty in FEI supply systems makes SCM in these industries a complex but strategic task for their managers. The framework and the model offered in this study, which employ a core competency concept and provide risk management strategies, offer a strategic tool for managers and scholars in the field to optimise their integration strategies and to operationalise integration decisions. Original Value – Little research has been published on transferable and cross-industrial SCM in Fast Evolving Industries (FEIs). This paper defines the FEI and its resource-related concerns and then offers a conceptual model and a strategic decision-making framework for SCI in FEIs.