Spanning Organisational and Geographical Boundaries: Understanding Supply Chain Risk Management in Hidden Champions

Hidden Champions are small and medium-sized family businesses that significantly contribute to employment and economic output. Despite facing shortages of skilled labour, they demonstrate strong resilience to disruptions. Predominantly located in the German-speaking regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, they lead the mechanical engineering sector. Globalisation is crucial for their growth, but complex international supply chains - challenged recently by COVID-19 - are vulnerable to disruptions. To enhance resilience, these companies rely on cooperative Risk Management with their often smaller Supply Chain Partners. Interorganisational training fosters common values, shared standards and improved communication, helping to manage risks effectively. This study, based on interviews with senior managers, uniquely highlights the importance of Hidden Champions understanding and enhancing their supply chain risk management practices in a cooperative way, strengthening the supply chain against future challenges.

Michael Mayer is a university lecturer in Supply Chain and Operations Management in the Department of Economics at FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Austria.