STRATEGO-Manufacturing strategies supporting competetiveness in SMME

The aim of the STRATEGO project is to enhance the possibilities for small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises (SMME) to use manufacturing strategies in a way that clearly contribute to sustainable competitiveness on an international market. This calls for making manufacturing strategy theory more operational and an increase of knowledge on the specific needs SMMEs have of supporting methods.

The project intends to contribute with increased knowledge and competence on how manufacturing strategies can contribute to, and long-term support, SMME competitiveness. The result will be presented by a method that contains both an analysis tool for establishing the present and future states, as well as guidelines for how to achieve the future state. By means of this method, small manufacturing companies may analyze and systematically improve their competitiveness through a number of strategic considerations. The project will also deliver scientific and popular publications, improvement in work methods at the participating companies regarding manufacturing strategies, as well as enhanced collaboration between JTH and Chalmers. Apart from the direct industrial benefit, the project will indirectly and eventually contribute to the industrial development since the project results will be used in the academic programs.

The project will follow an interactive research methodology, which means that it will be run in close collaboration between the researchers and the participating companies. The methodology comprises four components: survey/diagnosis, feedback of results, development activities, and follow up/assessment.