Special Issue "Digital, Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chains: Research Trends and Future Challenges"

Dear Colleagues,

The integration of digital technologies is transforming supply chains and enhancing their resilience. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics are being employed to improve efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness. These technologies enable real-time data sharing, the automation of processes, predictive analytics, and better decision making.

The resilience of supply chains has become a critical focus area in recent years as companies and organizations seek to adapt and respond effectively to unexpected disruptions. First of all, there is an increasing emphasis on improving visibility across the entire supply chain. This involves real-time tracking and monitoring of goods, components, and information as they move through different stages. Enhanced visibility helps identify potential bottlenecks, risks, and disruptions, enabling proactive measures to be taken. Moreover, there is a growing shift towards demand-driven and agile supply chains. These models prioritize responsiveness and flexibility, enabling rapid adjustments to changing customer demands and market conditions. Building resilient supply chains means adequately managing risk, and therefore implementing risk mitigation strategies and developing efficient contingency plans. The focus is on proactively identifying vulnerabilities and implementing measures to minimize the impact of potential disruptions.

In this challenging context, there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in supply chains. Consumers, regulators, and stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and accountability. As a result, businesses are incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their supply chain strategies to mitigate risks related to reputational damage, legal compliance, and resource scarcity. Another significant trend in sustainable supply chains is the adoption of circular economy principles. This involves designing products and processes to minimize waste; promote reusing, repairing, and recycling; and ensure resources are kept in circulation for as long as possible.

Overall, research is helping us moving towards increasingly digital, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Smart and digital supply chains;
• Modeling and simulation for supply chain management;
• Circular economy for sustainable supply chains;
• Innovative approaches for resilient supply chains;
• Eco-friendly solutions for smart logistics;
• Green logistics and transportation;
• Collaboration practices for sustainable and resilient supply chains;
• Blockchain technology for transparency and traceability;
• Artificial intelligence for supply chains.

Dr. Vittorio Solina
Dr. Antonio Cimino
Prof. Dr. Eugénio Miguel Rocha
Dr. Radu Godina
Guest Editors

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