Sustainable Supply Chain from the Perspective of International Strategy

Dear Colleagues,

In an era in which globalization and environmental concerns are at the forefront of business strategy, the significance of sustainable supply chain management cannot be overstated. This Special Issue aims to delve into the complex interplay between international strategy and supply chain sustainability, and we welcome contributions in this field. Sustainable supply chains are an opportunity for competitive advantage and long-term viability in the global market.

Globalization has led to the expansion of supply chains across borders, introducing both opportunities for growth and challenges in maintaining sustainability. The intricate web of international operations demands strategic oversight where sustainability is integrated into the core of supply chain processes. However, the heterogeneity of international regulations, cultural norms, and market conditions poses unique challenges for multinational corporations striving to align their global operations with sustainable practices.

This Special Issue seeks to uncover how companies conceptualize and implement strategies to foster sustainable supply chains in an international context. It will explore the dynamics of cross-border supply chain management, examining how international strategies can be leveraged to meet sustainability goals, comply with diverse regulations, and achieve economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Topics:

We welcome a range of contributions that address various aspects of sustainable supply chains and international strategy, including, but not limited to:

1. Sustainability Integration: How are multinational firms embedding sustainability into their international supply chains? What frameworks and models are proving effective?
2. Regulatory Impacts: How do international standards and local regulations influence supply chain sustainability, and what are the strategies for navigating this complex landscape?
3. Risk Management: What are the approaches for identifying and mitigating environmental and social risks in global supply chains?
4. Innovation and Technology: How is technology being leveraged to enhance sustainability in international supply chains, and what are the implications for technology transfer and innovation diffusion?
5. Trade Policies: What is the role of international trade agreements and policies in shaping sustainable supply chain practices?
6. Sourcing and Procurement: How are sourcing and procurement strategies evolving to meet sustainability objectives in an international context?
7. Stakeholder Engagement: What strategies are firms using to engage stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, customers, and local communities) in sustainability initiatives across borders?
8. Case Studies: We encourage submissions of case studies that provide insights into the successful implementation of sustainable supply chain strategies in diverse international settings.

The intersection of international strategy and sustainable supply chain management is a critical study area with profound implications for businesses, policymakers, and society. This Special Issue represents an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to contribute to a body of knowledge that is academically rich and practically relevant in terms of addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. We invite authors to submit their research and join us in advancing the discourse on sustainability in global supply chains through a strategic lens.

Methodological Approaches:

We are open to a broad range of methodological approaches, including qualitative and quantitative studies and mixed-methods research. Submissions should offer rigorous empirical analysis, robust theoretical frameworks, and practical implications for both academia and industry.

Dr. Alessandro Antimiani
Dr. Ilaria Fusacchia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• sustainable supply chain
• supply chain 4.0
• AI in supply chain
• procurement
• sourcing
• business strategy