Using the Multi-Level Perspective Framework to Identify the Challenges for a Mineral-Rich Developing Country Entering the Metal Additive Manufacturing Global Value Chain
Howie P. Dong J. Talamona D.
September 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2025#17Issue 17
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has become a crucial technology for rapid prototyping and enhancing the efficiency of producing lighter components. Despite these advantages, many challenges remain. We examine how mineral-rich developing countries can upgrade in the metal AM global value chain (GVC). We do so by applying the theory of GVCs and the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework to the metal powder segment. We investigate how Kazakhstan can link itself to the metal AM GVC by cooperating with China. Our case studies are based on 20 interviews with metal AM industry experts and scholars from Kazakhstan, China, and Europe. Using the MLP framework, we identify eight drivers that have enabled China to become prominent in the global metal AM industry. In addition, we identify eight barriers restricting Kazakhstan’s upgrading. For Kazakhstan to begin producing metal powders for AM, we suggest that its government start by implementing three policies, based on China’s experience: improve education and training systems, with a focus on advanced metallurgy; target AM industry segments in which cost, not quality, is a primary focus; and adopt international standards for metal AM-related activities. Our findings offer important lessons for other mineral-rich developing countries that may be more relevant than experiences from developed nations.
barriers , drivers , global value chains , metals , multi-level perspective , powder metallurgy , transitions
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Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering & Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Graduate School of Public Policy
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
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