WANG Xuebo, DBA

Xuebo Wang commenced her career in supply chain management in 2005, after obtaining an MBA. She also holds SCOR and CSCP certifications from APICS. Currently, she serves as the Senior Supply Chain Director at a renowned and rapidly growing biopharmaceutical company in China.

She defended her Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (EDBA) in March 2025, on the theme “Supply chain management in Chinese biopharmaceutical companies: addressing the challenge of supplying critical production materials” under the supervision of Professor Frédéric Ponsignon, Professor at Kedge Business School.

Prof Ponsignon Fréderic

Supply chain management in Chinese biopharmaceutical companies: addressing the challenge of supplying critical production materials

The biopharmaceutical industry in China has experienced significant growth, becoming the second-largest market in the world. This rapid expansion calls for a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by companies in this sector, particularly in supply chain management. While most research on the biotechnology industry focuses on R&D processes and regulatory aspects, there is little literature exploring biopharmaceutical supply chains, especially in developing countries. This study seeks to fill that knowledge gap.

This research examines the key supply chain management challenges faced by Chinese biopharmaceutical companies, with a specific focus on the company PEX. Through exploratory research, the study found that a major challenge encountered by Chinese biopharmaceutical firms in their supply chain management is the relatively high supply risk associated with critical production materials. In light of this finding, the study aims to identify and develop effective solutions to mitigate these supply risks for critical production materials, thereby ensuring a more reliable supply chain capable of maintaining continuous production and meeting market demand.

The study draws on in-depth interviews with 20 stakeholders, including 18 from various departments within PEX and 2 from a critical supplier. Using the Gioia methodology for data analysis, the research identifies five key factors contributing to successful supplier collaboration: effective communication; trust and respect; clear responsibilities and mutual problem-solving; continuous improvement and adaptability; and strategic alignment with shared objectives.

Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive framework and roadmap to enhance collaboration with critical suppliers. This framework emphasizes supplier segmentation, the development of cooperative strategies, the definition of collaborative improvement activities, and continuous enhancement. The proposed solution is tailored to address the unique challenges of the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry, particularly its heavy reliance on imported critical materials and the need for stronger partnerships with key suppliers.

The research problem and its resolution are of considerable significance: the study seeks to develop practical and applicable solutions to strengthen collaboration with key suppliers, which could provide immediate and tangible benefits for companies in the sector. Improving supply chain management and reducing supply risks can lead to more efficient operations, potentially lowering costs and increasing the profitability of biopharmaceutical firms in China.

This study contributes to the limited English-language literature on the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry and offers practical recommendations to improve supply chain resilience. Although the study is based on a single case, its findings provide valuable insights for other biopharmaceutical companies operating in China and potentially in other emerging markets. The study concludes by acknowledging its limitations and suggesting areas for future research in this rapidly evolving industry.