Purpose

This study aims to investigate the manufacturing reshoring decision-making content from an Eclectic Paradigm perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a six-step systematic literature review on factors influencing manufacturing reshoring decision-making. The review is based on 100 peer-reviewed journal papers discussing reshoring decision-making contents published from 2009 to 2022.

Findings

In total, 80 decision factors were extracted and then categorized into resource-seeking (8%), market-seeking (11%), efficiency-seeking (41%) and strategic asset-seeking (16%) advantages. Additionally, 24% of these were identified as hybrid, which means that they were classified into multiple categories. Some decision factors were further identified as reshoring influencing factors (i.e. drivers, enablers and barriers).

Research limitations/implications

Scholars need to consider what other theories can be used or developed to identify and evaluate the decision factors (determinants) of manufacturing reshoring as well as how currently adopted theory can be further advanced to create clearer and comprehensive theoretical frameworks.

Practical implications

This research underscores the importance of developing clearer and more comprehensive theoretical frameworks. For practitioners, understanding the multifaceted nature of decision factors could enhance strategic decision-making regarding reshoring initiatives.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the value and practicality of the Eclectic Paradigm in categorizing factors in manufacturing reshoring decision-making content and presents in-depth theoretical classifications. In addition, it bridges the gap between decision factors and influencing factors in the decision-making content research realm.Keywords

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the dynamics of manufacturing reshoring in Nordic countries by identifying the drivers, barriers and enablers influencing the decisions.

Design/methodology/approach – Grounded in in-depth interviews with 16 Swedish manufacturing firms, this research uses the eclectic paradigm as its theoretical framework.

Findings – This research reveals 65 drivers, 32 barriers and 38 enablers for manufacturers to bring manufacturing back. The primary drivers include total cost, product quality, controllability and flexibility in production. Prominent barriers are labour resources, facilities and equipment, labour, overhead and total costs .Key enablers include manufacturing capacity, labour resources, know-how and intellectual property, infrastructure and automation level.

Research limitations/implications – This research demonstrates how a single decision factor can manifest as a driver, barrier or enabler depending on specific scenarios, adding nuance to the existing reshoring literature. By applying the eclectic paradigm, this research reinforces the applicability of the theory in manufacturing location decision research and integrates factor perspectives with strategic-seeking categories.It refines and encourages the use of the eclectic paradigm.

Practical implications – The research offers practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders and researchers seeking to understand Nordic industrial dynamics. Insights provide guidance for industry leaders in strategic decision-making and navigate policymakers’ design measures to support industrial competitiveness in the Nordic region

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors influencing companies’ decisions to bring manufacturing operations back to their home countries and to examine how these factors exert their influence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach, conducting 16 in-depth interviews with managers involved in reshoring projects. The Eclectic Paradigm is used as theoretical framework.

Findings

A total of 69 influencing factors were identified, comprising 3% resource-seeking, 10% market-seeking, 41% efficiency-seeking and 17% strategic asset-seeking factors. Additionally, 29% of the factors were classified as hybrid-seeking. These factors were further categorised as drivers, barriers or enablers, providing a comprehensive understanding of their complex roles. Ten distinctive factors, such as customisation strategy and Information Technology (IT), emerged that were not previously reported in the literature, while seven factors cited in existing studies, including energy costs and knowledge transfer, were absent.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted nature of reshoring decisions. The comprehensive framework developed in this paper provides valuable insights for manufacturers and policymakers. It contributes to the literature by identifying previously unreported factors and challenging established understandings. Future research could apply alternative or multi-theoretical approaches, and examine the relative significance of each factor, how this evolves over time and how it differs between reshoring and offshoring, thus developing a more comprehensive understanding of relocation decisions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to apply the Eclectic Paradigm to the analysis of reshoring, bridging gaps between influencing factors and underlying decision processes.

Purpose

The study aims to clarify and present the role of the eclectic paradigm in manufacturing location decision research by examining its development, limitations, contributions and contemporary applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual paper based on how the eclectic paradigm developed and how it can be used. With an in-depth literature review to critically examine the theoretical evolution of the eclectic paradigm and its application in manufacturing location decision research, this study develops a strategic framework that enhances understanding.

Findings

This paper presents a practical guide for applying the eclectic paradigm. It introduces the strategic positioning matrix, enabling more effective navigation of the complexities in international production and location decision-making. It also highlights three dimensions to understand the decision factors, i.e. the drivers, barriers and enablers, in dynamic international business contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper harmonises with critical realism and once again stresses the fragmented and eclectic state of the research field by consolidating and advancing existing knowledge. Its conceptual scope, however, excludes empirical validation. Future research is encouraged to validate the proposed framework to assess its practical relevance and further explore contingency factors that remain underdeveloped in current literature.

Originality/value

As one of the few conceptual studies focused on the eclectic paradigm’s role in this context, this paper contributes by organising, systematising and extending its application. With the strategic positioning matrix, it fosters a more nuanced understanding and wider application among scholars and practitioners.