Radical innovations as supply chain disruptions? A paradox between change and stability

Abstract

Supply chains withstand multiple tensions, and some of which are paradoxical. Radical product and process innovations bring such tensions to the forefront by disrupting supply chains. Using two illustrations, this article considers the paradoxical tension between change and stability in upstream supply chains, which becomes particularly salient after radical innovation. Furthermore, the article discusses why and how paradox theory can help firms understand and manage this pressing tension between stability and change. This article then presents future research opportunities for using paradox theory to investigate other persistent post‐innovation tensions in upstream supply chains. The aim of this article is to encourage new studies that develop responses to such paradoxical tensions, an area ripe for research.

Paradox-responding in humanitarian temporary supply networks: exploring strategies and enabling mechanisms

“…Within OSCM, there are several instances of paradox manifestation that make the accomplishment of performance objectives challenging. For example, when: supply chains must be lean and agile; competitors must collaborate; and change and stability must be addressed simultaneously (Guo et al, 2023;Harper, 2022;Kocabasoglu-Hillmer et al, 2023;Maalouf and Gammelgaard, 2016;Matos et al, 2020;Pagell et al, 2015;Xiao et al, 2019;Zehendner et al, 2021).…”

“…Mena and Schoenherr (2020) describe a "supply chain position paradox" phenomenon whereby performance decreases as proximity to endcustomers increases. Kocabasoglu-Hillmer et al (2023) explore the paradoxical tension between change and stability that buying organisations face in their upstream supply chains following a radical innovation. They also examine paradox-responding by focusing on strategies undertaken by buying firms in relation to their supply chains.…”

“…Synthesis strategies aim at synergies between the contradictory elements (Andriopoulos and Lewis, 2010;Lewis, 2000;Smith and Lewis, 2011) and seek a view that accommodates the opposing poles (Smith and Lewis, 2011), potentially creating something larger than the individual parts (Kocabasoglu-Hillmer et al, 2023).…”

“…Even though paradoxical tensions are well documented in the humanitarian supply chain literature (HSCM), an understanding of paradox-responding remains elusive. There are effective ways of dealing with paradoxes in supply networks (Kocabasoglu-Hillmer et al, 2023;Xiao et al, 2019). However, there is a question of how this can be achieved under the conditions faced in humanitarian TSNs.…”

Conceptual wanderlust: How to develop creative supply chain theory with analogies

“…Within this domain, we are interested in relations between trading organizations and how to render supply chains more resilient vis-à-vis disruptions. Supply chain disruptions have been identified as one of the most pressing concerns in today's global marketplace (Kocabasoglu-Hillmer et al, 2023;Shekarian & Parast, 2021), so cultivating resilience is a top priority for many organizations. Indeed, supply chains are particularly vulnerable to disruptive challenges, including pandemics, political riots, and intensifying natural disasters (Choi et al, 2020).…”