Rola dostawców w zarządzaniu łańcuchem dostaw

The main aim of the article is to present the role of supplier development in supply chain management. It outlines definitions, goals and effects of supplier development as well as key challenges and barriers to its implementation. The author has devoted special attention to the evolution of supplier development – from the reactive solutions of suppliers’ problems to best practices delivering value in supply chain, which have strategic significance and might enhance integration of business processes in „extended enterprise”.