Abstract
In today’s competitive environment, the only recipe for success is the fast and persistent innovation of products, processes and organizational structures. According to Schumpeter’s definition, innovation is mostly determined by the successful introduction of new combinations. The only efficient way to find and introduce new combinations of existing materials, components, services, etc. in a short time-to-market, is the temporary creation of virtual enterprises by efficient and quickly reconfigurable networks of global buyer-supplier relationships. This paper presents the concept of self-contained, adaptable supply chain modules which allows a fast and flexible configuration of highly efficient, value stream oriented supply networks.