Developing Transition Research for Disruptive Technology : 3D Printing Innovation

There is a disconnect between technical research into digital manufacturing processes supporting the development of product innovation and research into the adoption of these technologies and subsequent products into existing business practices. One of the reasons is the level of technical and business knowledge required for an integrated response to the challenges involved in their adoption into established industrial contexts. This chapter introduces transitioning companies' issues to working with emerging digital manufacturing technologies through the example of 3D printing (additive manufacturing). The chapter provides an argument for the development of transition research across disciplines that identifies and explores the integration challenges involved in maximizing the opportunities of 3D printing. Examples discussed are from the surgical, dental, and hearing aid industries. The recommendations are based on the authors' research into supply chain management and operations in medical devices manufactured using 3D printing for the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).