Exploratory Study of the Role of Emerging Technologies in Outsourcing of Supply Chain Functions

Abstract

Emerging technologies (ETs) like blockchain technologies (BCT), internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and others offered promising new avenues to improve productivity, efficiency, and convenience in supply chain management (SCM) functions. The authors conducted a structured literature review to identify the researchable gaps. Subsequently, in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 SCM experts from Indian organizations who were implementing ETs were conducted to secure expert insights. The authors then conducted thematic content analysis of the expert interview responses and presented the findings. The authors presented an integrated framework by incorporating process, activities, and resource-based considerations while making sourcing decisions involving emerging technologies in SCM functions.