Modelling the nfd process in virtual organizations

The paper presents the first results of an on-going Italian research project aimed at investigating the modem business processes and frameworks that make the new product development a complex process which involves the constitution of a temporary coalition of manufacturing enterprises, their coordination, and the organization and planning of their operation. New ICT tools, called "tools for the extended enterprise" are needed for the adoption of this business model and for its operation coordination; the research project aims at exploring and investigating the field of "value-added tools", (within the tools for the extended enterprise), at the strategic (for the design of the extended enterprise) and planning (for supporting the network in all of the phases that require a planning activity such as the new product development) business levels.