Abstract
Transition from the status quo to more sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices is a highly complex and non-linear process with multiple drivers, but also obstacles, on the way. The impending strict regulatory framework, particularly in terms of the environmental dimensions of sustainability development (SD), is single-handedly opening the door to rapid and potentially disruptive change. The research literature on SSCM has increased exponentially over the last decade to meet the mounting demand for information on how to tackle often conflicting sustainability-related requirements while satisfying all internal and external stakeholders. Due to the continuously evolving and wicked nature of SSCM, a limited number of scholars have approached the issue with design thinking problem solving methodologies (DTPSMs). The results of a systematic literature review (SLR) were mirrored with the Evolved Double Diamond (EDD) design process model to formulate a design thinking overview and trace potential research gaps of selected frameworks and models regarding the sustainability transition (ST) of supply chains (SCs). The research results demonstrate that modelling the ST in SC as a wicked problem can contribute to the creation of more structured and novel SSCM models and frameworks, which take into deeper consideration the evolving nature of the issue and improve facilitation practices of stakeholder engagement.
Highlights
In the early 2000s, supply chains were often still conceptualised in the research literature as linear networks where stakeholders interacted bilaterally in a rather controlled environment [1,2]
The following chapters look at them in more detail and explain how they were mirrored in the four stages and iterativeness of the Evolved Double Diamond (EDD) process model
The hypothesis (1a) of this paper states that sustainability transition (ST) of supply chains (SCs) has wicked problem characteristics, which was analysed in this paper by reflecting the wickedness of external factors tightly connected with sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) such as climate change, sustainable development, and proceeding to SSCM context itself
Summary
In the early 2000s, supply chains were often still conceptualised in the research literature as linear networks where stakeholders interacted bilaterally in a rather controlled environment [1,2]. In its aspiration to have a greenhouse gas net reduction in emissions goal of 55% below. 1990 levels by 2030, and to come to be the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the European Commission has implemented the European Green Deal as a new growth and development strategy [9]. Does this strategy demand emission reductions, it stipulates the creation of green jobs and economic growth, including a pledge to mobilise at least EUR 1 trillion in sustainable investments in both the private and public sectors over the decade.
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