The evolution of the supply chain in the railway industry

Purpose – This paper aims to fill the research gap represented by the lack of analysis on the industry's specific factors which affect the evolution of customer-supplier relationships and the entire supply chain organisation in the railway manufacturing industry by providing an interpretative framework. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based upon an in-depth longitudinal case study on AnsaldoBreda, the main Italian railway company that is representative of the EU context. The study was conducted over a period of ten years. Findings – The empirical findings highlighted that in recent decades the hierarchical relationships among firms operating in the Italian railway have been modified. Moreover, regarding the evolution of the supply system four main phases are illustrated and the gap with other industrial sectors is remarked. Research limitations/implications – The approach taken restricts the empirical findings to the Italian railway industry. However, various elements show that the case study is representative of the European railway industry as well. Practical implications – The paper provides practical indications at three different levels: for large firms (both manufacturers and operator firms) regarding the leading role assumed in the supply chain, for small supplier firms regarding cost efficiency, technology, organisation and quality improvement to be competitive in the global market, and for railway transport as a whole regarding quality of service, customer satisfaction and railway transport demand. Originality/value – The paper provides a conceptual framework to interpret the supply chain evolution based upon the changing role of the leader firm while providing insight on the impact of liberalisation/globalisation processes on the supply chain organisation