Introduction to part III

Part III of this Handbook addresses the criticism that academic scholars often lack a deep understanding of factory operations and global supply chains. The papers presented here illustrate the crucial role of operations and supply chain management in comprehending sustainability transitions within global production and innovation networks. By focusing on micro-processes, such as those occurring on the shop floor, these studies offer valuable insights inaccessible through other levels of analysis. Additionally, the value of the supply chain management approach is emphasized. The chapters provide robust examples of how scholars can engage with real-world complexities while maintaining both theoretical rigor and relevance. Furthermore, this introduction pioneers the notion that the global production and innovation network approach can be effectively integrated into operations and supply chain management.