Understanding stages of supply network emergence in technology commercialisation.

This research explores different u0027modesu0027 of supply network emergence that may exist in the process of technology commercialisation, and examines how key actors and enterprises design and re-configure their emerging and existing networks. A generic u0027stagesu0027 model to better understand supply network evolution - in the context of emerging technologies - is developed, based on existing commercialisation case studies, and underpinned by industrial emergence and network theory. The aims of the model are two-fold, namely, to extend theoretical understanding of u0027stagesu0027 and u0027emergenceu0027 from a traditional technology and product perspective towards that of supply networks, and to inform existing network analysis approaches (applicable for u0027matureu0027 industries) so as to better u0027fitu0027 nascent and emerging contexts. Indeed, it is argued that supply networks never quite reach a stage of u0027maturityu0027, as organisations continuously look to u0027re-configureu0027 elements of their legacy networks, leveraging existing capabilities where possible, in response to changes in strategic priorities and the emergence of new market opportunities and threats. At the practice level, the u0027stagesu0027 model informs how best to manage critical network resources - supporting the design of alternative business models, and associated supply network strategies, for transforming new technologies into marketable products.