Jose Orlando Montes De La Barrera
PhD student in Science, Technology and Society
Université du Québec à Montréal
Award-winning publication: Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope
Published in: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
Abstract
Jose Orlando Montes’ paper explores the microfactories’ model: the elements that enable it and its impacts on economies of scale and scope. When manufacturers launch a new product, despite the high level of uncertainty, they must make substantial investments that can lead to significant losses. A microfactory is a less risky alternative that enables a company to develop and produce new products and test their acceptance in the local market before they are mass produced. Microfactories can lead a range of industries to more local, adaptive and sustainable business ecosystems.