New Circular Networks in Resilient Supply Chains: An External Capital Perspective

Sara Alonso-Muñoz,Rocío González-Sánchez,Fernando E García-Muiña,Cristina Siligardi

doi:10.3390/su13116130

Sara Alonso-Muñoz, Rocío González-Sánchez + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116130

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Abstract

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had an impact on the relationships established between different actors in organisations. To deal with these changes, it is necessary to develop a resilience capacity that allows for the establishment of different patterns of relationships through a new management model. The application of circularity principles implies a radical change in stakeholder relations, breaking with the “end-of-life” concept existing in linear economies. Furthermore, circular economy can ensure resilience in supply chains, and it can be considered as a tool in uncertain environments. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the association between the customer–supplier relationships with circular supply chains based on the intellectual capital-based view theory. External capital is a crucial factor for organisations, and it helps with building remarkable capabilities for the whole supply chain due to collaboration and cooperation. This research contributes with a systematic revision of the literature regarding circular supply chains and customer–supplier external capital, providing an exploratory model. Establishing a closer and effective relationship with customers and suppliers supposes a differentiating value and competitive advantages. Actors involved in the supply chain are essential in the implementation of circularity in organisations for reducing waste production and returning resources to the production cycle. Therefore, circular networks related to customers’ behaviour, sustainable supplier election and IT tools play a key factor in improving resilience in supply chains.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the global industry at all levels around the world [1,2,3]
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the functioning of supply chains in a way never seen before [11]
This has meant the disruption of organisational operations due to a lack of supply and mobility problems that have prevented the development of transport for a prolonged period

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the global industry at all levels around the world [1,2,3]. One of the organisational processes most affected by the current health crisis involves activities related to the supply chain that have been affected by severe ruptures and dysfunctions not experienced in previous pandemics [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12]. This is because this involves a network of stakeholders and a means of distribution involved in the different global processes and activities.

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