THE EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES, TECHNOLOGIES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Sustainable Supply Chain Management has emerged as a critical imperative for organizations navigating the complex interplay between economic performance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. This review synthesizes the existing literature on sustainable supply chain management, examining the evolution of the field, key challenges, technological enablers, and future research directions. The review identifies four overarching perspectives—environmental, social, economic, and governance—that collectively define the scope of sustainable supply chain management. Key challenges include the management of paradoxical tensions between sustainability goals and operational efficiency, the complexity of multi-tier supply chain coordination, and the need for robust measurement and reporting frameworks. Technological innovations, particularly Industry 4.0 technologies such as Internet of Things, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, are identified as critical enablers for advancing sustainability in supply chains. The review highlights the importance of dynamic capabilities including paradoxical leadership, strategic agility, and collaborative governance in navigating sustainability transformations. This paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainable supply chain management research and identifying promising avenues for future inquiry.