The potential of artificial intelligence to improve supply chain resilience

Abstract

The rising frequency of disruptions in global supply chains is accelerating firms' digital transformation with supply chain management. Profit-optimized supply chains are particularly vulnerable in these times, leading firms to think about developing new capabilities to improve supply chain resilience. Research has already identified the four factors agility, visibility, flexibility, and collaboration, strengthening supply chain resilience. However, research lags in embedding the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence in the context of resilience. Thus, this thesis investigates how artificial intelligence empowers firms to resist disruptions better. With expert interviews and business-to-business company research, the four factors were evaluated on their potential to build resilient supply chains. In addition, the potential and industry recognition of artificial intelligence were inspected. The findings suggest that firms need to improve supply chain resilience and that agility and flexibility are decisive to remedy. The analysis also revealed a significant recognition of artificial intelligence as a resilience enabler, but firms lack the capabilities and expertise to exploit artificial intelligence solutions. Companies should digitize their rigid processes and create an open corporate culture. Companies can use artificial intelligence to stabilize their supply chains in times of crisis and turn externalities into competitive advantages.

Date of Award	30 Jun 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Peter V. Rajsingh (Supervisor) & André de Almeida Pinho (Co-Supervisor)