Logistics for a Resilient Future: Sustainable Approaches to Supply Chain Management

Dear Colleagues,

We invite submissions for a Special Issue focused on "Logistics for a Resilient Future: Sustainable Approaches to Supply Chain Management". The aim is to explore technologies, innovative strategies, and practices that can enhance the resilience and sustainability of supply chains in the face of evolving global challenges.

The modern global supply chain is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need for sustainability, resilience, and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges (Wang et al., 2024, Ivanov and Dolgui, 2020, Russo et al., 2022). Agility plays an important role in achieving resilience and is also a key antecedent to sustainability (Wang and Wang, 2023). The ability to pivot and respond to rapidly changing conditions is crucial for the survival and success of modern supply chains (Wang, 2024). As we enter an era where Industry 5.0 converges with environmental imperatives (Leng et al., 2022, Ivanov, 2023), the logistics sector stands at a critical juncture (Wang et al., 2020b).

The logistics sector is facing a talent shortage, exacerbated by the increasing complexity of supply chain operations (Wang et al., 2022). As we transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 (Xu et al., 2021), there is a growing emphasis on human-centric approaches that integrate advanced technologies with human skills and capabilities (Leng et al., 2023). This theme explores how robotics, AI, IoT, and digital technologies can work alongside human workers to create more resilient and adaptive logistics systems (Wang and Prajogo, 2024), while also prioritizing work–life balance and well-being (Wang and Gligor, 2024). The frequency and severity of supply chain disruptions demand new risk management frameworks (Wang et al., 2020a). This area of study aims to develop strategies that not only mitigate risks but also promote the long-term sustainability of supply chains (Wang and Wang, 2023). As digital technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, big data, digital twin technology, virtual reality, etc., continue to advance, the logistics sector must evolve by cultivating new skills and capabilities (Rahman et al., 2022, Wang et al., 2021). Additionally, last-mile delivery remains one of the most challenging aspects of logistics, particularly within urban environments (Olsson et al., 2019, Wang et al., 2020b). This Special Issue seeks to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative practices that address the complexities of building sustainable, human-centered, and resilient logistics and supply chains (Ivanov, 2024, Wieland and Durach, 2021, Leng et al., 2023).

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Industry 5.0: integration of human-centric approaches with advanced technologies in logistics.
• Risk Management: strategies for mitigating risks in supply chains, including global disruptions and local uncertainties.
• Agility: enhancing the responsiveness and flexibility of supply chains to adapt to changes.
• Technology and Innovation: the role of cutting-edge technologies in driving sustainable logistics and supply chain management.
• Environmental Performance: approaches to reduce the environmental impact of logistics activities, including carbon footprint and waste management.
• Future Skills and Capabilities: identifying and developing the skills needed for the future workforce in logistics and supply chain management.
• Logistics Capability: building competencies in areas such as digital technologies, physical movement, warehousing, and inventory management.
• Logistics Education: preparing the next generation of logistics professionals through education and training.
• Digital Technologies and Traceability: the use of AI, IoT, and other digital tools to enhance logistics operations, including traceability and sensor technologies. Ensuring transparency and accountability in supply chains through advanced tracking systems.
• Physical Movement Handling: innovations in the handling of goods throughout the supply chain, from warehousing to vehicle delivery.
• Last-Mile Delivery: improving efficiency, sustainability, and customer service in the final stages of delivery.
• Customer Service: enhancing customer satisfaction through effective logistics and supply chain strategies.
• AI and IoT in Logistics: leveraging AI and IoT for smarter, more efficient logistics operations.
• Human-Centricity: balancing technological advancements with human needs, including work–life balance and well-being.
• Work–Life Balance and Gender Diversity: promoting a balanced and inclusive workforce in the logistics sector.
• Diversity and HR Management: strategies for managing a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive work environment.
• High-Performance Management: approaches to achieving excellence in logistics through effective management practices.
• Logistics Training: developing effective training programs to upskill the workforce in the logistics sector.

Submission Guidelines: Manuscripts should be submitted by 01 August 2025. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Please refer to the journal's submission guidelines for formatting and other requirements.

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: 01 Oct 2025
Notification of Acceptance: Peer review will commence immediately upon submission of the paper.
Publication Date: The paper will be published at the earliest opportunity.

We encourage submissions that not only advance theoretical understanding but also offer practical insights and solutions that can be implemented by industry practitioners. Together, we can build a future logistics framework that is not only resilient and sustainable but also aligned with the broader goals of social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity. We look forward to your contributions that will help shape the future of logistics and supply chain management.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this special issue, which aims to shape the future of sustainable and resilient logistics and supply chain management.

For further information, please contact one of our guest editors.

References

Ivanov, D. (2023), “The Industry 5.0 framework: viability-based integration of the resilience, sustainability, and human-centricity perspectives”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 61, No. 5, pp. 1683-1695.

Ivanov, D. (2024), “Two views of supply chain resilience”, International journal of production research, Vol. 62, No. 11, pp. 4031-4045.

Ivanov, D. & Dolgui, A. (2020), “Viability of intertwined supply networks: extending the supply chain resilience angles towards survivability. A position paper motivated by COVID-19 outbreak”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 58, No. 10, pp. 2904-2915.

Leng, J., Sha, W., Wang, B., Zheng, P., Zhuang, C., Liu, Q., Wuest, T., Mourtzis, D. & Wang, L. (2022), “Industry 5.0: Prospect and retrospect”, Journal of manufacturing systems, Vol. 65, No., pp. 279-295.

Leng, J., Zhong, Y., Lin, Z., Xu, K., Mourtzis, D., Zhou, X., Zheng, P., Liu, Q., Zhao, J. L. & Shen, W. (2023), “Towards resilience in Industry 5.0: A decentralized autonomous manufacturing paradigm”, Journal of manufacturing systems, Vol. 71, No., pp. 95-114.

Olsson, J., Hellström, D. & Pålsson, H. (2019), “Framework of last mile logistics research: A systematic review of the literature”, Sustainability (Switzerland), Vol. 11, No. 24.

Rahman, N. S. F. A., Hamid, A. A., Sahin, B., Wang, M. & Islam, S. (2022), “A New Human Capital Development Framework in Logistics and Supply Chain Incorporating Industry 4.0”, International Journal of Applied Logistics, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-17.

Russo, I., Masorgo, N. & Gligor, D. M. (2022), “Examining the impact of service recovery resilience in the context of product replacement: the roles of perceived procedural and interactional justice”, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Vol. 52, No. 8, pp. 638-672.

Wang, M. (2024), “Supply chain integration capability: a three-stage circular model of visibility, agility, and flexibility”, Journal of General Management, Vol. ahead of print No. ahead of print.

Wang, M., Asian, S., Wood Lincoln, C. & Wang, B. (2020a), “Logistics innovation capability and its impacts on the supply chain risks in the Industry 4.0 era”, Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 1-16.

Wang, M., Childerhouse, P. & Abareshi, A. (2024), “Global logistics and supply chain integration in the digital era: a focus on China's Belt and Road Initiative”, Journal of International Logistics and Trade, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 58-79.

Wang, M. & Gligor, D. (2024), How can employee job satisfaction enhance supply chain capabilities? 31st EurOMA Conference. Barcelona, Spain.

Wang, M. & Prajogo, D. (2024), “The effect of supply chain digitalisation on a firm’s performance”, Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 124, No. 5, pp. 1725-1745.

Wang, M. & Wang, B. (2023), “Supply chain agility as the antecedent to firm sustainability in the post COVID-19”, The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 281-303.

Wang, M., Wang, B. & Chan, R. (2020b), “Reverse logistics uncertainty in a courier industry: a triadic model”, Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 56-73.

Wang, M., Wood, L. C. & Wang, B. (2022), “Transportation capacity shortage influence on logistics performance: evidence from the driver shortage”, Heliyon, Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. e09423.

Wang, M., Wu, Y., Chen, B. & Evans, M. (2021), “Blockchain and Supply Chain Management: A New Paradigm for Supply Chain Integration and Collaboration”, Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 111–122.

Wieland, A. & Durach, C. F. (2021), Two perspectives on supply chain resilience. Wiley Online Library.

Xu, X., Lu, Y., Vogel-Heuser, B. & Wang, L. (2021), “Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0—Inception, conception and perception”, Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 61, No., pp. 530-535.

Dr. Michael Wang
Dr. Samsul Islam
Dr. Ahmad Abareshi
Dr. Ki-Soon Hwang
Dr. Bill Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• logistics management
• supply chain management
• Industry 5.0
• resilience
• sustainability
• human-centered
• technologies
• sustainable operations