Short answer

Anticipate and plan for potential shifts in global value chains driven by 3D printing, considering both incremental and transformative impacts on production and value distribution.

Field: Commercial Production
Source: Global Networks (2017)
Method: Scenario analysis and literature review
Evidence: Moderate effect

The widespread adoption of 3D printing could significantly alter the distribution of value within manufacturing, potentially shifting from a 'smiling curve' model to a 'smirk' by rebundling and localizing production activities. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Global Networks. Using Scenario analysis and literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Anticipate and plan for potential shifts in global value chains driven by 3D printing, considering both incremental and transformative impacts on production and value distribution.

Study

Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactModerate effect

3D Printing's Potential to Flatten the 'Smiling Curve' in Global Value Chains

Global Networks · 2017

Key Findings

01A 'complementarity scenario' suggests 3D printing will coexist with traditional manufacturing, largely preserving existing power relations and value distribution (the 'smiling curve').
02A 'substitution scenario' indicates 3D printing could lead to more transformative effects, including rebundling of activities, regionalization or localization of value chains, and a flattening of the 'smiling curve' into a 'smirk'.

Application

Design takeaway

Anticipate and plan for potential shifts in global value chains driven by 3D printing, considering both incremental and transformative impacts on production and value distribution.

How to apply

When developing new products or redesigning existing ones, consider the potential for 3D printing to alter manufacturing locations, supply chain complexity, and the distribution of profits along the value chain.

Project actions

01When researching manufacturing processes, consider the global implications of new technologies.
02Analyze how different production methods affect the economic distribution of value in a product's lifecycle.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the potential impacts of widespread 3D printing adoption on the restructuring, upgrading, and distribution of value added within global manufacturing value chains.

MethodScenario analysis and literature review

ProcedureThe study examines two potential scenarios for the integration of 3D printing into manufacturing: a complementarity scenario where 3D printing overlaps with traditional methods, and a substitution scenario where 3D printing replaces traditional manufacturing. These scenarios are analyzed for their effects on value chain structures and value distribution, with examples from aerospace and automotive industries.

ContextGlobal manufacturing value chains, specifically aerospace and automotive industries.

Variables

IVAdoption of 3D printing technology.

DVRestructuring of global value chains, upgrading of activities, distribution of value added.

CVSpecific industries (aerospace, automotive), existing power relations in value chains.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a forward-looking perspective on technological impact.
+Identifies distinct scenarios for future development.

Limitations

The future impact of 3D printing is speculative and depends on many factors, including technological advancement, material availability, and market adoption rates.

Reliability & validity

The study's findings are based on theoretical scenarios and expert interpretation, making direct empirical reliability and validity challenging to assess without further empirical research.

Think critically

To what extent is the 'smirk' scenario a realistic outcome, given the current infrastructure and economic incentives for globalized production?

Design Principles

"Design for adaptable and resilient value chains, leveraging emerging manufacturing technologies to optimize production and value capture."

Understanding how emerging technologies like 3D printing impact global value chains is crucial for strategic decision-making in design and manufacturing. Designers and engineers need to consider how these shifts might affect their roles, the location of production, and the overall economic landscape of product development.

What This Means for Your Design

3D printing might change how companies make and sell things globally. It could either keep things the same or make production more local and spread out the profits more evenly.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the potential impact of advanced manufacturing techniques on the economic viability and geographical distribution of production in your design project.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The integration of 3D printing into manufacturing presents a significant opportunity to restructure global value chains. Research suggests that this technology could lead to a 'flattening' of the traditional 'smiling curve,' where value is concentrated at the design and marketing stages, by rebundling production activities and enabling regionalization or localization of manufacturing (Rehnberg & Ponte, 2017). This shift has profound implications for how products are developed, produced, and distributed, potentially altering the economic landscape for designers and manufacturers.

Source

Global Networks

From smiling to smirking? 3D printing, upgrading and the restructuring of global value chains

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about 3d printing's potential to flatten the 'smiling curve' in global value chains?: Anticipate and plan for potential shifts in global value chains driven by 3D printing, considering both incremental and transformative impacts on production and value distribution. Evidence: Global Networks (2017).
Why does "3D Printing's Potential to Flatten the 'Smiling Curve' in Global Value Chains" matter for design?: Understanding how emerging technologies like 3D printing impact global value chains is crucial for strategic decision-making in design and manufacturing. Designers and engineers need to consider how these shifts might affect their roles, the location of production, and the overall economic landscape of product development.
How can designers apply this research?: Anticipate and plan for potential shifts in global value chains driven by 3D printing, considering both incremental and transformative impacts on production and value distribution.
What were the main findings?: A 'complementarity scenario' suggests 3D printing will coexist with traditional manufacturing, largely preserving existing power relations and value distribution (the 'smiling curve').. A 'substitution scenario' indicates 3D printing could lead to more transformative effects, including rebundling of activities, regionalization or localization of value chains, and a flattening of the 'smiling curve' into a 'smirk'.
What research method was used?: Scenario analysis and literature review.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Global Networks.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing new products or redesigning existing ones, consider the potential for 3D printing to alter manufacturing locations, supply chain complexity, and the distribution of profits along the value chain.
What are the limitations?: The study relies on hypothetical scenarios and does not provide empirical data on the actual extent of 3D printing adoption and its full economic consequences.