Supply chain innovation research: A bibliometric network analysis and literature review

Abstract

The importance of supply chain innovation to the operational management practices is difficult to underestimate, especially as it concerns developing novel products and services or the use of digital technologies. Supply chain innovation is imperative for enhancing supply chain performance and gaining sustainable competitive advantages. Despite rapidly growing academic interest and significant relevance to industry practitioners, the supply chain innovation research field appears to be highly fragmented. The field could benefit from a better common understanding of the elements comprising innovation management practices among the supply chain actors. Our objective is to structure and analyze literature on the topic of the overlapping subject areas of supply chain management and innovation management. We conduct a systematic bibliometric analysis of 230 articles published in 52 journals from 1997 to 2021. Using the integrated network analysis methodology, we identify and interpret 12 thematic research clusters such as green supply chain innovation, knowledge management and collaboration, and supply chain integration. These topics are salient in the current supply chain innovation literature and reflect modern trends towards eco-innovation, digitalization, and long-term collaboration in supply chain business practices. Considering the identified clusters, we conduct a content analysis and develop a supply chain innovation matrix linking operational and management practices to innovation outcomes. The matrix systematically structures supply chain innovation processes and can be used by industry professionals to effectively design supply chain innovation strategies and determine the impacts of adopted practices on innovation performance.