Guest editorial: Special issue on “Global supply chain transformation using digital technologies in the post-pandemic era”

What the paper says

The COVID-19 pandemic, while a critical stress test for global supply chains, also showcased their resilience. It forced businesses to rethink their operational strategies, leading to innovative solutions (Deloitte, 2020). The disruptions were multifaceted and far-reaching, impacting every stage of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final delivery. The pandemic also triggered dramatic shifts in consumer demand. These sudden and unpredictable shifts created significant imbalances in supply and demand, forcing businesses to adjust their production and inventory strategies, often leading to severe disruptions. For example, a study by EY, a consultancy firm, showed that more than 70% of the companies surveyed had seen a negative impact on their businesses.A critical issue that the pandemic brought to the forefront was the lack of real-time visibility into supply chain operations. In fact, in the EY report cited above, senior executives identified increased visibility as the top priority for their supply chains over the next three years. This lack of transparency made it difficult to respond quickly and effectively to changing conditions, exacerbating the negative consequences of the pandemic. In the face of these challenges, digital technologies have emerged as crucial enablers of supply chain transformation.This special issue examines the various dimensions of supply chain transformation through adopting digital technologies, offering valuable insights for academicians and researchers and providing actionable strategies for supply chain professionals to thrive in this dynamic and evolving domain.The five papers featured in this special issue portray diverse perspectives that investigate the transformative role of digital technologies in supply chains. From mitigating the bullwhip effect with AI to redefining agile practices amidst global disruptions, these studies provide a comprehensive overview of digital supply chain management’s current and future potential. These studies also provide valuable insights and practical implications for industry professionals. A brief overview of these papers is provided in Table 1 below.Papers on this issue transcend geographies, technologies and methodologies, possibly indicating the importance of the theme explored and its varied and transformative impact. Submissions accepted came from both emerging as well as developed economies. Technologies and topics explored ranged from blockchain and AI to deploying agile supply chains. In addition, the methodologies used involved literature reviews, interviews, qualitative data analysis and multi-criteria decision-making. Again, this demonstrates that the intellectual challenges associated with this theme require a multi-faceted engagement.We now provide some comments on each of the papers below and, subsequently, a few concluding remarks on how the field is poised for growth.Paper 1, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Alleviating Supply Chain Bullwhip Effects: Social Network Analysis-Based Review,” investigates how AI can mitigate the bullwhip effect, focusing on automated smoothing and replenishment rules. The findings demonstrate the potential of AI to improve collaboration and forecasting accuracy in supply chains, thereby smoothing inventory fluctuations and improving customer service fulfillment rates.Paper 2, titled “Motivating Factors for Blockchain Technology Adoption: A Theoretical Analysis from the Perspective of Supply Chain Collaboration,” identifies key drivers of blockchain adoption in supply chains, focusing on information sharing, performance expectancy and behavioral uncertainty. The study underscores blockchain’s role in facilitating transparency and collaboration among supply chain partners.Paper 3, titled “Redefining Agile Supply Chain Practices in the Disruptive Era: A Case Study Identifying Vital Dimensions and Factors,” uncovers key enablers of agile supply chains in the manufacturing sector amidst global disruptions. The authors identify six essential dimensions and emphasize the importance of digital transformation for achieving end-to-end visibility and real-time insights.Paper 4, titled “Digital Transformation in Ecosystems: Integrated Operations Model and Its Application to Fifth-Party Logistics Operators,” presents an integrated framework for digital transformation in fifth-party logistics (5PL) operators, focusing on collaborative planning, digital platforms and cybersecurity. The study offers valuable insights for optimizing 5PL operations and enhancing ecosystem management.Paper 5, titled “Rise of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Transformation in the Post-Pandemic Era,” investigates factors driving blockchain adoption in supply chains, identifying organizational and technology drivers as the most significant. The authors provide managerial recommendations to address challenges in scaling up blockchain-enabled transformations.Integrating digital technologies is not just a trend but a tectonic shift that will define the future of supply chains. Companies that successfully leverage these technologies will be better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions, mitigate risks and benefit from new opportunities. By leveraging the power of data and advanced technologies, companies can create smarter, more responsive supply chains better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Thus, this special issue serves as a testament tso the innovative approaches and forward-thinking strategies shaping the future of supply chain management.The authors sincerely thank the authors, reviewers and editorial team for contributing to this special issue. The authors hope these articles inspire further research and practical applications in supply chain management, driving innovation and excellence in the industry.