A Systematic Analysis of Cluster Supply Chain Alliance and Its Service Infrastructures

As a new type of management pattern, "cluster supply chain" (CSC) can help SMEs to face the global challenges through all kinds of collaboration. However, a major challenge in implementing CSC is the gap between theory and practice in the field. The adoption of "service" technologies has driven a process of transforming core enterprise-centric collaboration into service system-centric collaboration. In an effort to provide a better understanding of this emerging transition, this paper presents two key elements of cluster supply chain, including: the description for cluster supply chain alliance (CSA), and the enabling technologies of service supporting system. The transformations and consequences of CSC are illustrated in the context of Jingcheng mechanical & electrical holding co., ltd.(JCH). The experience of JCH suggests that cluster supply chain has propelled a structural change in buyers-intermediaries-sellers relationships, and accelerated internationalization of small- and medium-sized enterprises.