Purpose

This study aims to investigate the dynamics of manufacturing reshoring in Nordic countries by identifying the drivers, barriers and enablers influencing the decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in in-depth interviews with 16 Swedish manufacturing firms, this research uses the eclectic paradigm as its theoretical framework.

Findings

This research reveals 65 drivers, 32 barriers and 38 enablers for manufacturers to bring manufacturing back. The primary drivers include total cost, product quality, controllability and flexibility in production. Prominent barriers are labour resources, facilities and equipment, labour, overhead and total costs. Key enablers include manufacturing capacity, labour resources, know-how and intellectual property, infrastructure and automation level.

Research limitations/implications

This research demonstrates how a single decision factor can manifest as a driver, barrier or enabler depending on specific scenarios, adding nuance to the existing reshoring literature. By applying the eclectic paradigm, this research reinforces the applicability of the theory in manufacturing location decision research and integrates factor perspectives with strategic-seeking categories. It refines and encourages the use of the eclectic paradigm.

Practical implications

The research offers practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders and researchers seeking to understand Nordic industrial dynamics. Insights provide guidance for industry leaders in strategic decision-making and navigate policymakers’ design measures to support industrial competitiveness in the Nordic region.

Originality/value

This research is among the few studies integrating strategic advantages with three aspects of the decision factors in analysing manufacturing reshoring. It advances theoretical understanding by showing how the same factor can shift depending on contextual dynamics and serve companies’ strategic needs.