A structural analysis of barriers to emerging economies’ participation in the compound semiconductor manufacturing supply chain

Purpose Compound semiconductors are required to achieve advanced technologies. However, their supply chain remains limited to developed economies. This study aims to investigate the barriers preventing emerging economies, such as Bangladesh, from integrating into this supply chain. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the Resource-based View (RBV), the study conceptualizes barriers as constraints and applies a two-stage approach: expert interviews identify key barriers, followed by Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to analyze their interrelationships. Findings The study identifies core barriers such as the lack of cleanroom and fabrication facilities, weak infrastructure, limited financial access and insufficient research and development capabilities. Barriers related to institutional coordination, global integration and regulatory standards are found to be secondary outcomes of deeper and broader systemic deficiencies. Research limitations/implications The study extends RBV to the national level and offers a model that future research can apply to examine barriers to value chain participation in emerging economies. Practical implications The study provides insights for policymakers, development agencies and industrial strategists seeking to design better-targeted tasks for participation in value chains. Originality/value This study contributes to the developing application of the RBV by extending its analytical scope beyond the firm level to examine barriers at the broader national levels.