Supply Chain Digitalisation towards a Circular Economy

The introduction of digital technologies in the fourth industrial revolution is rapidly transforming supply chains (Ridgway, Clegg, & Williams, 2013). The early adoption of digitalisation in the supply chain is already resulting in a disruptive change in many industries. Companies are realising the importance of digital technologies early adoption to stay competitive and prosper (Srai, et al., 2017). Most research on this topic has been focusing on novel technologies rather than what the technologies can offer. Recent issues with supply chains stressed the need for them to be more visible, transparent, responsive, dynamic. Digital transformation technologies can provide greater flexibility through digital platforms, greater transparency through controlled towers, be able to better meet variable supply and demand than traditional supply chains, and the potential for developing a circular economy. As these seem to be structural changes, the use of configuration as a lens to explore the adoption of digital technologies becomes an interesting and exciting area to pursue.
The research question to be covered are:
1. How can supply network reconfiguration through digital technologies enhance organisational performance and resilience?
2. How can digital supply chain technologies and a systems approach be used to develop a circular economy?