Interfirm Collaboration in Global Production Networks – Maturity Model for Managing Interfirm Relationships

Today, data-sharing along global supply chains and outsourcing to international vendors are ubiquitous trends in global production. Both trends are a form of so-called interfirm collaboration. Previously, research focused on specified tools to gain advantages from interfirm collaboration. However, possible risks and structural obstacles hamper partners to engage in collaborative relationships. In this paper, a framework is presented to monitor the maturity of a firm’s interfirm relationships. Thus, key factors and distinct dimensions are proposed that determine success in interfirm collaboration. The concluding framework visualizes interfirm relationships and creates transparency between collaborating stakeholders.