Identifying key drivers of supply chain resilience in Indian pharmaceutical industry for enhanced export performance

Purpose This paper aims to explore the key drivers of a resilient supply chain for the Indian pharmaceutical industry for enhanced and sustainable export pursuits in a disruptive business time. Design/methodology/approach This study literarily identifies the key drivers of supply chain resilience in the Indian pharmaceutical industry and methodologically appraises, analyzes and assesses them to derive a structural model that catalytically acts as facilitators and drivers for enhanced export performance. By reviewing relevant literature, it identifies research and development (R&D), procurement and sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and reverse logistics factors. It collects Likert scale feedback from stakeholders and probes interrelationships among them in achieving the enhanced export performance of India’s pharmaceutical sector. Findings The results lucidly identify the key enablers affecting the export performance of India’s pharmaceutical sector. These primarily include developing excellence in manufacturing, reverse logistics and distribution. Furthermore, sourcing and R&D are the antecedents of manufacturing expertise, catalytically contributing to improved export outcomes. Based on the derived structural model, the interrelationships are evaluated to explore causal links in achieving supply chain resilience and simultaneously elucidating the managerial and socio-economic interventions. Originality/value Narrating the results, this paper scholarly identifies the key drivers that need to be factored in for enhanced export outcomes of India’s pharmaceutical sector. The paper explains how to achieve supply chain resilience for export performance in India’s pharmaceutical sector.