Theorizing the role of Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain processes: unveiling managerial perspectives and strategic applications

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

The editorial aims to contribute to addressing the emerging gaps by promoting a deeper understanding of the role of AI in SCM from a managerial and strategic perspective, with a strong theoretical focus. The aim is to shift the focus from a technological approach to a vision centered on decision-making processes, AI adoption strategies and the integration pathways of AI within SCM activities. 

How AI is reshaping supply chains

Financial Times

There is much excitement about the disruption that AI is likely to bring to traditional business workflows. This applies especially to supply chains, the interconnected systems that provide us with everything from daily staples to luxury goods. The move to AI is likely to present opportunities for improvement in areas from inventory planning and management to manufacturing, production and delivery.

Mapping Risks to the Quantum Computing Supply Chain

Case Study

This research maps 160 companies and critical materials across four supply chain tiers, using graph theory, agent-based modeling, predictive analytics, and robustness simulations to evaluate systemic risk. The findings show that while the ecosystem can absorb random disruptions, the loss of a small number of highly connected firms significantly weakens overall stability. The report outlines practical steps to strengthen resilience—from trusted trade partnerships to multi-source strategies and continuous monitoring of emerging technologies.

Key enablers of dynamic capabilities for digital transformation in supply chain management

Operations Management Research Journal

[Best Paper Award]

This study examines the managerial levers that activate sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring during supply chain digitalization. Based on a multiple-case analysis of 17 large international firms and a frequency analysis of 3,326 interview codes, we identify 22 micro-foundations clustered around three managerial enablers, namely leadership approach, investment-decision process, and digital experts. The research advances theory and offers managers actionable levers for accelerating large-scale digital change while preserving entrepreneurial agility.

How to Automate Operations Without Breaking the Bank

MIT Sloan Management Review

Managers at small and midsize businesses may perceive automation as too expensive to be feasible, but research has identified strategies that make implementing it possible even on a tight budget. A framework for evaluating the five main factors that can reduce — or increase — the cost of an automation project can help leaders make more informed decisions about whether process automation might be a viable and cost-effective option for their company.

How AI Is Reshaping Supplier Negotiations

Harvard Business Review

AI is starting to play a major role in how companies negotiate with suppliers. These advancements are driven by the need for greater speed, scalability, and strategic agility due to increasingly complex supply chains and disruptions caused by external factors such as weather and trade wars. Once a cost-saving tool for automating low-value, repetitive negotiations, AI is now being used to make key decisions in procurement.

AI Can Improve How Humans and Robots Work

MIT Sloan Management Review

Teaming humans with robots delivers better results for warehouse operations than having only robots, but there are opportunities to improve that collaboration in the face of increasing demands for speed and accuracy in e-commerce fulfillment. A new framework describes four collaboration scenarios and points to how AI can be applied to optimize the performance of humans and robots working together.

AI-Enabled Digital Twins

Harvard Business Review

The health care landscape is undergoing a seismic shift fueled by technological advancements, empowered patients, and a burgeoning demand for accessible, personalized care. To navigate this turbulent yet promising era, the industry is looking to new technologies such as digital twins that are powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

Pair People and AI for Better Product Demand Forecasting

MIT Sloan Management Review

A new framework helps leaders orchestrate human and AI agents to accurately forecast product demand. It provides a structured approach. We classify the company's product portfolio based on two factors: product lifecycle and demand volatility. This classification offers a systematic review of the interplay between human and AI roles in demand forecasting and highlights the type of information available to the agents involved and the various modeling approaches applied. Additionally, the framework emphasizes how the forecasting strategy should align with broader business objectives.