Cooperation in international production networks

Brainport has an extensive network of high-tech manufacturing companies from OEMs to 1st, 2nd and 3rd line suppliers. In the network, companies cooperate intensively. This cooperation is very effective and leads to growth and innovation, but also to strong interdependence. Existing partnerships demand all the attention and capacity and make the network susceptible to economic shocks.

In addition, geopolitical tensions and shifting economic power relations show the vulnerability of complex global production networks. Companies are rethinking the positioning of specific activities, especially vis-à-vis regions such as Asia and Eastern Europe, and the desired redesign of their global production chains.

Broadening the customer base (new customer groups and end markets) and the supply network (multi-source), and greater dispersion in terms of regions (local-for-local), for example by following customers to Asia, can help increase the robustness of the high-tech supply network and ensure healthy interdependence in the network.

Ambition

A joint market and internationalisation strategy that facilitates sustainable growth in a healthy partnership between customer and supplier.

The supplier network should benefit from existing growth markets while retaining sufficient capacity to continue innovating and seizing new market opportunities. This keeps the supply network agile. This requires a joint approach that gives individual companies room to flesh out their own market strategy and innovation agenda.