Digital Technologies in Supply Chain Risk Management

Dear Colleagues,

The global supply chain landscape has been profoundly reshaped by disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, regional wars, and escalating trade disputes. These challenges have exposed critical vulnerabilities and highlighted the urgent need for advanced tools to assess and mitigate risks. Emerging digital technologies, including large language models (LLMs), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and big data analytics, are transforming supply chain risk management. These innovations enhance visibility, traceability, and predictive capabilities, enabling stakeholders to address disruptions, geopolitical tensions, environmental challenges, and global economic volatility with greater precision. By integrating real-time data from sensors, automated systems, and distributed networks, digital tools empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, enhance collaboration, and foster resilience. For example, AI-driven predictive analytics anticipate risks, blockchain ensures transaction transparency, and IoT-enabled devices provide continuous monitoring for rapid response. Digital twins simulate supply chain networks to evaluate vulnerabilities, while Industry 5.0 merges human expertise with automation to create adaptive, human-centric systems. The maritime supply chain, in particular, has leveraged IoT, AI, blockchain, and digital twins to boost operational efficiency and mitigate disruptions effectively. This Topic focuses on the cutting-edge applications of digital technologies in supply chain risk management, with a particular emphasis on enhancing resilience amid global uncertainties. We welcome submissions that present innovative methodologies, case studies, and theoretical frameworks demonstrating the transformative impact of digital tools.

Topics of interest include the following:

• Applications of AI, LLMs, and ML in risk prediction and mitigation;
• Digital twins for simulating and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities;
• Blockchain for enhancing transparency and security;
• IoT and sensor networks for real-time risk monitoring;
• Industry 5.0 integration of human expertise and automation;
• Big data analytics for informed decision-making;
• Cybersecurity solutions for digitalized supply chains;
• Digital technologies in maritime logistics;
• Digital tools for optimizing global shipping networks.

We invite researchers and practitioners to contribute to this Topic by sharing insights and advancements that deepen our understanding of digital technologies in supply chain risk management. By exploring these developments, we aim to foster the creation of more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable supply chains in an increasingly uncertain world.

Prof. Dr. Zongsheng Huang
Prof. Dr. Decui Liang
Topic Editors