Creating sustainable value in manufacturing operations: the role of an external service provider

: Martinsuo M, Kivilä J, Heikkilä J

Publisher: European Operations Management Association

: 2015

: 22nd EurOMA Conference

: https://researchportal.tuni.fi/en/publications/6ffcf882-68fa-4a99-9b7b-49d38cff50fc

Manufacturing companies need to fulfill sustainability requirements in their operations. Previous research has not covered external service providers{\textquoteright} sustainability-oriented cooperation with manufacturing firms sufficiently. The purpose is to develop new knowledge on ways to create sustainable value as part of manufacturing operations, particularly in cooperation with an external service provider. We conducted a qualitative study with two companies and mapped the activities in sustainable value creation. The results reveal a strategic approach to sustainable value, creation of sustainability by continuous improvement and development projects, and enhanced sustainable value creation through an industrial symbiosis with the external service provider.