Smart supply chain management: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

Abstract

Advancements in information technology, intelligent decision-making technologies, and automation are accelerating the transformation of traditional supply chains into smart supply chains. To systematically identify research opportunities and future trends in smart supply chain management, this study adopts a structured literature review methodology to analyze representative publications from 2013 to 2024. This paper derives key findings. First, intrinsic drivers for smart supply chain development include globalized competition, efficiency demands, complexity requirements in the VUCA era, and technology-driven transformation opportunities. Second, current barriers span four dimensions: information technology infrastructure, business analytics and decision-making, risk management, and collaborative integration. Critical breakthroughs are needed in digital infrastructure, intelligent decision systems, multi-level risk prevention mechanisms, and collaborative innovation ecosystems. Finally, holistic frameworks and ecosystem integration must be prioritized strategically. Operationally, resilience and collaborative efficiency require enhancement. Technologically, ethical constraints must guide efforts to overcome integration bottlenecks and drive sustainable innovation in smart supply chain practices.