Interactions between R&D and production in globalisation

This paper addresses the gap in operations management literature concerning the interrelationship between the globalisation of R&D and production and attempts to explore how R&D and production interact with each other in their globalisation. Based on two case studies, this paper identifies two approaches for the globalisation of R&D and production. Furthermore, this paper suggests that the interfaces between R&D and production are significant with regard to understanding the selection of these two globalisation approaches. Additionally, this paper indicates that research may need to be treated separately from development (engineering) with regard to their globalisation processes. We conclude this paper with managerial suggestions and possible directions for future research.