Future of global sustainability: Resilience, sustainability and cultural dynamics in supply chain

Overview

The global business landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and climate change. During the pandemic, many transportation companies prioritised the movement of essential commodities like food, medicine, and clothing. While these efforts ensured the survival of communities worldwide, they also highlighted trade-offs between operational demands and sustainability objectives. For instance, the widespread use of disposable face masks and gloves significantly increased plastic waste, creating new challenges for local authorities. As we look to the future, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to reduce waste sustainably, even during crises, to meet long-term environmental goals. Developing resilience against risks such as pandemics, climate-related disasters, or economic disruptions is essential for safeguarding both societies and businesses.

Beyond the immediate impacts of the pandemic, businesses face ongoing challenges in restarting and reconfiguring their supply chains. Global supply chains continue to grapple with disruptions, demand fluctuations, and strategic diversification needs. Achieving sustainability targets—such as waste reduction and carbon neutrality—has become increasingly complex in an international context, particularly when cultural diversity and inter-organisational relationships come into play. The interplay of cultural differences among supply chain partners often influences the effectiveness, productivity, and consistency of global supply chain operations, yet research on these dynamics remains limited.

This research opportunity invites individuals to address these pressing challenges. Candidates are encouraged to develop resilient models that prioritise environmental protection and waste reduction while accounting for differences in supply chain operations. From a strategy process perspective, researchers can explore the mechanisms of multicultural cooperation, focusing on building and managing effective partnerships. Additionally, this research can examine how to refine criteria for business model renewal and derive competitive advantages in a sustainable and culturally inclusive way. Specific areas of focus may include integrating waste reduction practices into business models across sectors such as plastics, food, and textiles, with the ultimate aim of contributing to global sustainability goals.