Changing Distribution Structures - On the Role of Intermediaries
Book chapter, 2015

Distribution systems for industrial goods are changing structure. Important reasons are development of information technology and transportation systems. New conditions provide strategic opportunities for manufacturers and end-users, as well as new forms of intermediaries making use of technological development for functional specialization. These changes will mean a severe challenge for the strategic role of industrial distributors.The paper adresses these questions by analysing the role of intermediaries in a historical perspective. Based on this analysis present conditions and possible future developments are discussed.

Distribution Structure

Industrial Good

Flexible Manufacturing System

Harvard Business Review

Distribution System

Author

Lars-Erik Gadde

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Industrial Marketing

Developments in Marketing Science: Proceedings of the Academy of Marketing Science

23636165 (ISSN) 23636173 (eISSN)

284-293

Subject Categories

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified

History of Technology

DOI

10.1007/978-3-319-17311-5_43

More information

Latest update

8/8/2023 6