DefinePK

Abstract

Global supply chains are increasingly exposed to systemic risks arising from geopolitical instability, pandemics, climate change, and evolving regulatory demands. These risks highlight the need for efficient, resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainability practices are synthesized in this review, providing an integrated approach of these factors reshaping the supply chain management. The analysis shows that AI enhances forecasting, logistics, and risk management through predictive and adaptive capabilities; blockchain strengthens transparency, trust, and traceability via decentralized and immutable records; IoT delivers real-time monitoring and operational visibility; and sustainability practices anchor these innovations within ecological and social imperatives such as green logistics, circular economy, and ethical sourcing. Case studies from industries including agriculture, retail, and manufacturing demonstrate that while individual technologies yield incremental benefits, their integration produces superior outcomes in efficiency, accountability, and environmental performance. However, significant barriers remain that include high implementation costs, interoperability challenges, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, organizational resistance, and social concerns such as labor displacement constrain widespread adoption. The review identifies gaps in addressing social sustainability, cross-regional interoperability, and governance frameworks for autonomous decision-making. Future developments, including digital twins, quantum computing, Web3, and Industry 5.0 promise further transformation, but their success will depend on harmonized policy, ethical oversight, and inclusive adoption. This review concludes that holistic integration of digital technologies with sustainability principles is essential to build supply chains that are future-ready, resilient, and aligned with global sustainability goals.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Supply Chains, Blockchain for Transparency and Trust, Internet of Things (IoT) in Logistics, Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Resilient Supply Chains, Green Logistics and Circular Economy, Digital Transformation in Supply Chains, Supply Chain Risk Management, Ethical Sourcing and Social Sustainability, Industry 5.0 and Global Supply Chains