Grainger, A (2007) Government Actors in International Supply Chain Management Operations: assessing requirements for skills and capabilities, Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2007, 5-7 September 2007 in Hull, UK [PDF: Download , 130kb]

Abstract

Over the last few years we have witnessed an avalanche of new policy initiatives that explicitly target supply chain security, trade facilitation and customs modernisation. Common to these programmes is the growing role of government actors in international supply chain operations. This paper builds on an extensive interview series conducted at UK ports and a survey of UK traders. It shows a complex cross-border environment in which government actors play a prominent part. Moreover, wasteful transaction costs arise in cross-border operations between business actors and government executive agencies. The resolution of these transaction costs places a wide range of requirements on skill and capability. At present much variance can be found in the observable skills and capabilities amongst individual businesses, their industries, locations and between different government agencies. This sets out a research agenda that considers the development of the skills and the capabilities necessary for efficient operations at the border and the development of meaningful relationships between business and government actors. The latter is of particular significance when defining and shaping the cross-border environment and international trade systems as they evolve in line with recent policy initiatives.

[PDF: Download , 130kb]

Further Information

• LRN 2007 Conference Website