The implications of automobile parts supply network structures: A complex network approach

This study investigates the temporal structural transitions of automobile supply networks where, under situations with various possible risks such as economic crises and market globalisation, companies must both work together for sustainable production, and also compete with each other for their own survival. The resulting network complexity is captured by large-scale empirical data, and analysed for the first time using concepts and metrics developed in complex network science. We discuss how network structure reflects the effect of several factors including market fluctuation, product standardisation, technological advancement, and financial interdependencies between companies.