Strategic Partnership in Research and Development and Its Impact on Environmental and Social Performances in Indian Aerospace Industry

Purpose – Strategic partnership is an important supply management strategy for sustainable supply chain performance. In the present study, the impact of strategic partnership in Research and Development on environmental and social performances has been assessed related to Indian aerospace industry. For the study various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Private enterprises, Government owned companies and other Research and Development Organisations, who are engaged in the design, development and manufacture of components, sub-assemblies and major assemblies of aerospace related items such as aircraft, helicopters, space launch vehicles and associated systems in India have been considered. 

Design/Methodology/approach- Conceptual research framework was developed with three constructs.   The research framework of the present study was developed and tested based on research gaps identified through various literatures.  Data was collected from the companies through survey methodology with questionnaire as an instrument. Statistical analysis was carried out for 263 responses received from various companies under aerospace industry using SPSS AMOS 20. Hypotheses of the model were tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methodology.  

Findings – The results of the study shows that strategic partnership in research and development in Indian aerospace companies has a significant impact on environmental and social performances of the company.  

Research limitations/implications- Present study is limited to environmental and social performance and further the study can include other dimensions such as economic and competitiveness of an industry. 

Originality/value – Literature review indicates that not much research work has been done on this subject and considered as one of its kind in Indian aerospace industry.  This study contributes knowledge to decision makers in the company for achieving sustainable supply chain performances.