Challenges Facing Medical Device Companies in Ireland and Why Operational Excellence is not Enough

David McKernan, Olivia McDermott

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/ProceedingConference Publicationpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ireland has developed a highly successful medical device cluster. The cluster experience accelerated growth during the 1990s when many USA multinationals established manufacturing sites. Manufacturing is the driving force that created the cluster with linkages between, universities, venture capital, entrepreneurs, suppliers, and supporting industry. Using Lean tools and principles the sites have established a reputation for excellence. A generation since the sites have been established changes outside of the cluster are impacting its competitiveness. Lean tools and systems may no longer be enough to sustain the cluster. This paper examines the key changes affecting the cluster and highlights the reasons lean principles may not be enough for the cluster to continue to thrive for another generation. The paper provides valuable insights into a strategy for individual firms, and the medical device cluster in Ireland and has lessons for any other industrial cluster.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLean, Green and Sustainability - 8th IFIP WG 5.7 European Lean Educator Conference, ELEC 2022, Proceedings
EditorsOlivia McDermott, Aidan Toner, Angelo Rosa, José Carlos Sá
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages204-217
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9783031257407
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event8th IFIP WG 5.7 European Lean Educator Conference, ELEC 2022 - Galway, Ireland
Duration: 22 Nov 202224 Nov 2022

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Volume668 IFIP
ISSN (Print)1868-4238
ISSN (Electronic)1868-422X

Conference

Conference8th IFIP WG 5.7 European Lean Educator Conference, ELEC 2022
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityGalway
Period22/11/2224/11/22

Keywords

  • Cluster
  • Ireland
  • Lean
  • Medical devices
  • Operational excellence

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