From buyer-driven fragmented to consumer-driven vertically integrated value chains: a case study of Japanese apparel and accessory SMEs

Fusanori Iwasaki and Yasushi Ueki

No 838, IDE Discussion Papers from Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO)

Abstract: This study provides foundations for the vertical integration strategy for global value chain efficiencies, although international economics emphasizes production unbundling. The two Japanese SMEs under study have transformed their value chain structures toward international vertical integration to take advantage of in-house multi-location, multi-plant arrangements and market-side innovations, including sales channel diversification and e-commerce. Their strategic transformation is consumer-driven rather than corporate buyer-driven, but they take their unique supply-side advantage of production capacity in Japan. The in-depth case studies suggest the limitation of single literature of internationalization studies and the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach in illustrating international business realities and deriving practical managerial and policy implications.

Keywords: lobal value chain; consumer-driven; multi-location; multi-plant operation; vertical integration; e-commerce; SME; apparel (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L20 L67 M10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022-03
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Published in IDE Discussion Paper = IDE Discussion Paper, No. 838. 2022-03

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