+44-7897-074717Opinion - Journal of Research in International Business and Management ( 2025) Volume 12, Issue 3
Published: 25-Jun-2025
Global supply chain resilience refers to the ability of international supply chains to anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions. This study examines the strategic importance of supply chain resilience in maintaining business continuity and competitiveness in global markets. It explores key sources of disruption including geopolitical instability, natural disasters, pandemics, and technological failures. The paper highlights resilience strategies such as diversification, flexibility, digital integration, and collaborative partnerships. It also discusses the role of risk visibility and adaptive capabilities in strengthening supply chain performance. By integrating supply chain management theory with international business perspectives, this study emphasizes that resilient global supply chains enhance operational stability, reduce vulnerability, and support sustainable international business growth.
Global Supply Chain Resilience, Supply Chain Risk, Business Continuity, Global Logistics, Disruption Management, Operational Flexibility, International Business, Supply Chain Strategy
Global supply chains form the backbone of international business operations by enabling firms to source materials, manufacture products, and deliver goods across borders. The increasing complexity and globalization of supply networks have exposed firms to a wide range of disruptions. Events such as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, natural disasters, and health crises have highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains. Global supply chain resilience has therefore become a strategic priority for international businesses. The concept of supply chain resilience focuses on the capacity of supply networks to resist shocks and recover quickly from disruptions. Resilient supply chains are designed to adapt to uncertainty and maintain operational continuity. Firms that invest in resilience reduce the negative impact of disruptions on performance and customer satisfaction. Supply chain resilience supports long-term competitiveness in international markets.
Globalization has increased interdependence among supply chain partners across countries. While global sourcing offers cost advantages and efficiency, it also increases exposure to risk. Disruptions in one region can cascade across the entire supply chain. Global supply chain resilience requires understanding and managing interdependencies within international networks (Um & Han, 2021).
Risk identification and visibility are essential components of supply chain resilience. Firms must monitor suppliers, logistics providers, and market conditions to detect potential disruptions early. Digital technologies such as data analytics and real-time tracking enhance supply chain visibility. Improved visibility supports proactive decision-making (Gunasekaran et al., 2015).
Diversification is a common strategy for enhancing global supply chain resilience. Firms diversify suppliers, production locations, and transportation routes to reduce reliance on single sources. Geographic diversification reduces exposure to localized disruptions. Balanced diversification enhances flexibility (Jüttner & Maklan, 2011).
Operational flexibility enables firms to adjust production and distribution in response to disruptions. Flexible manufacturing systems, inventory buffers, and alternative logistics options support rapid adaptation. Flexibility enhances supply chain responsiveness and stability.
Collaboration among supply chain partners strengthens resilience. Information sharing, joint planning, and coordinated responses improve collective capability to manage disruptions. Strong partnerships enhance trust and coordination. Collaborative resilience supports network-wide recovery.
Digital transformation has significantly influenced supply chain resilience. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and automation improve forecasting, coordination, and risk management. Digital supply chains enhance agility and transparency (Patel, 2023).
Sustainability considerations are increasingly integrated into supply chain resilience strategies. Environmental and social risks can disrupt supply chains and damage reputation. Sustainable sourcing and ethical practices support resilience and stakeholder trust.
Human capital and leadership play a crucial role in managing supply chain resilience. Skilled managers and decision-makers respond effectively to uncertainty. Training and leadership development enhance crisis management capability.
Government policies and trade regulations also influence supply chain resilience. Tariffs, trade agreements, and regulatory changes affect supply chain design. Firms must align supply chain strategies with policy environments (Colicchia et al., 2010).
Global supply chain resilience plays a critical role in sustaining international business operations during periods of disruption. This study highlights that diversification, flexibility, collaboration, and digital integration strengthen supply chain resilience. Firms that prioritize resilience are better equipped to manage uncertainty and maintain competitiveness in global markets.
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Patel, K. R. (2023). Enhancing global supply chain resilience: Effective strategies for mitigating disruptions in an interconnected world. BULLET: J. Multidiscip. Sci. 2(1), 257-264.
Um, J., & Han, N. (2021). Understanding the relationships between global supply chain risk and supply chain resilience: the role of mitigating strategies. Supply Chain Manag. 26(2), 240-255.