A framework for aligning the supply chain throughout a radical product innovation life cycle

Existing recommendations for the management of supply chains in terms of product innovation primarily address the needs of companies in innovative sectors, and are predominantly based on a snapshot classification of product and market characteristics. As technology cycles become shorter and product innovations more radical, it is argued that supply chains have to be realigned step by step to fit the degree of maturity for a product innovation. This aspect has not yet been discussed in research or practice to a large degree, though product and technology life cycle discussions may clearly contribute to the debate. This paper introduces a framework for aligning supply chains based on radical product innovation life cycles: after presenting the state-of-the-art in terms of literature, technological innovation is classified and product innovation life cycle phases are systematised. The applicability and significance of this supply chain design innovation framework is demonstrated based on the example of e-mobility.