What the study found
Digitalisation and circular-economy practices are associated with stronger national supply chain resilience in emerging economies, and resilient supply chains are associated with improved sustainability performance.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that integrated digital and circular policy frameworks are important for enhancing resilience and advancing sustainable development in emerging economies. The study suggests that sustainability outcomes arise through a cumulative capability-building pathway rather than through isolated technological effects.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined 32 emerging economies from 2010 to 2023 using balanced-panel data. They used fixed-effects panel regressions, mediation analysis, and structural equation modelling, drawing on indicators from the World Bank, OECD, UN SDG Database, and UNIDO, and framed the study with Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capability Theory.
What worked and what didn't
Digitalisation was positively associated with circular-economy adoption and with supply chain resilience. Circularity further strengthened resilience, and resilient supply chains were strongly associated with better sustainability performance. The serial mediation results indicated a cumulative pathway linking digitalisation, circularity, resilience, and sustainability.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific limitations. The findings are based on national-level data from 32 emerging economies, so the summary is limited to that scope.
Key points
- Digitalisation was positively associated with circular-economy adoption and supply chain resilience.
- Circular-economy practices further strengthened resilience.
- Resilient supply chains were strongly associated with improved sustainability performance.
- The study found evidence for a serial mediation pathway from digitalisation to sustainability through circularity and resilience.
- The authors highlight integrated digital and circular policy frameworks for emerging economies.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Digitalisation and circularity are linked to stronger supply chain resilience
- Authors:
- Puja Sunil Pawar, Bayan A. Alsedais
- Institutions:
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, University of Business and Technology, Qassim University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-30
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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