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Additive Manufacturing in SMEs: Empirical Evidences from Italy

Author

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  • Giacomo Marzi

    (Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK)

  • Lamberto Zollo

    (#x2020;University of Florence, Department of Sciences for Business and Economic, Florence, Italy)

  • Andrea Boccardi

    (#x2020;University of Florence, Department of Sciences for Business and Economic, Florence, Italy)

  • Cristiano Ciappei

    (#x2020;University of Florence, Department of Sciences for Business and Economic, Florence, Italy)

Abstract

Research on innovative technological methods in SMEs’ production processes is progressively receiving attention. However, little is known about the emerging phenomenon of additive manufacturing (AM), which may represent a significant strategic lever for fostering a company’s competitiveness and performance, especially for SMEs. Our aim is to investigate the effects of AM on SMEs’ production process, in order to better understand the relative outcomes of such an innovative technique. We used latent content analysis for empirically analyzing SMEs present in one of the most important Italian gold jewelry districts. Our findings suggest that the AM introduction in a company’s production process effectively results in many positive outcomes, such as process innovation, customer satisfaction, costs, revenues, profits, and competitive advantage. Specifically, there is a positive linkage between AM and a company’s performance. Hence, such an innovative technique may be interpreted as a viable growth strategy for SMEs. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Giacomo Marzi & Lamberto Zollo & Andrea Boccardi & Cristiano Ciappei, 2018. "Additive Manufacturing in SMEs: Empirical Evidences from Italy," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 15(01), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijitmx:v:15:y:2018:i:01:n:s0219877018500074
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219877018500074
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    3. Niehues, Stephanie & Gürpinar, Tan, 2019. "Disruptive technologies: Integration in existing supply chain processes," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Kersten, Wolfgang & Blecker, Thorsten & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management: Innovative Approaches for Supply Chains. Proceedings of the Hamburg Int, volume 27, pages 265-296, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.
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    5. Caviggioli, Federico & Ughetto, Elisa, 2019. "A bibliometric analysis of the research dealing with the impact of additive manufacturing on industry, business and society," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 254-268.

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