– This extended editorial viewpoint aims to introduce the individual contributions for this special issue.
– The articles included in this special issue are reviewed.
– The preliminary synthesis of all articles identifies four different perspectives on this topical area: a corporate strategy perspective, a cross-functional work-process perspective, an outsourcing perspective and a specific Chinese perspective.
– Some of the articles in this special issue are of a theoretical character; thus, further empirical research is recommended.
– The individual papers present important information, guidelines and frameworks that firms can use in their efforts to bridge the manufacturing – R&D interface.
– This special issue focuses on a less-researched topical area and attempts to bridge the disciplines of operations and innovation management.
