The Intersection of Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability from a Theoretical and Practical Perspective: An Integrated Framework

Abstract

In times of increasing disruption and scarcity of natural resources, many companies view supply chain resilience (SCRE) and supply chain sustainability (SCS) as primary strategic objectives. However, the connection between these two objectives has not been sufficiently explored. We therefore conducted a large-scale survey of 143 practitioners to gain empirical insights on the intersection of resilience and sustainability from the perspective of supply chain executives. The main results are first that key barriers to both SCRE and SCS are budget constraints and product complexity, and second that implemented resilience strategies affect the degree of sustainability and vice versa. We present a conceptual framework that illustrates the relationship’s identified characteristics and reveals the multiple dimensions of these concepts’ intersection. Approaching each objective with an integrated approach and mindset will help executives overcome the goals’ common barrier – product and partner complexity – and thereby develop a competitive advantage.

Keywords: supply chain resilience, sustainability, implementation barriers, integrated approach

JEL Classification: M10