Abstract:
This paper presents an overview of the rapidly changing nature of the European
defence and aerospace industry. In particular the paper identifies a number of
key issues associated with the dynamic of supply chain management in respect of
Small to Medium-sized Enterprise’s (SME’s) at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier levels.
A number of issues are raised concerning the current/future relationships
between SME’s and prime contractors. Particular emphasis is placed on buyer/
supplier power and the development of SME strategies in response to the industry
changes. The paper suggests a number of areas that need to be researched to
investigate the developing view of strategy and strategic options for SME’s in
light of the industry re-structuring within the context of the concept of
strategic fit and
