Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is transforming how we think about making and moving products. It allows digital designs to be shared and turned into physical parts anywhere in the world – opening expansive new opportunities for faster, more flexible, and more sustainable supply chains.
But what happens when we start treating these digital designs themselves as valuable tradeable assets? And how ready are current supply chains to support this kind of digital trade?
This research explores these integral questions through a review of existing studies on digital trade within additive manufacturing supply chains – where products aren’t just ordered online, but also delivered digitally as files to be printed locally. Despite the growing use of additive manufacturing, this form of digital trade remains critically underexplored in both research and practice.
By mapping out what’s already known and highlighting key gaps, this paper offers a starting point for manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers looking to better understand how AM can support Industry 5.0 goals – such as resilience, sustainability, and human-centred production.
Ready to explore the future of digital trade in manufacturing? Access the paper to learn more.