A network perspective on supply chain management in the structural reshaping of globalization

Purpose The aim of this paper is to offer research highlights from various points of view the relationship between change in the international context, characterized by conditions of uncertainty, volatility, complexity and ambiguity, and, in some cases, by a real crisis in global supply chains. Design/methodology/approach The editorial proposes a review of qualitative works based on single and multiple case studies, as well as quantitative works, with reference to a variety of sectors and international contexts. Findings The research presents contributions on important topics such as the “reconfiguration” and “transformation” of supply chain structures. Reconfiguration involves processes such as the formation of the supply chain but also the development of new ways of exchanging information to improve communication flows between actors. The reconfiguration of the supply chain at an international level involves the theme of innovation. Some of the research proposes applications of models that can be traced back to the IMP approach. Originality/value The research presented proposes connections across sectors and the use of different methodologies on particular topics such as the role of time and speed, the importance of alignment between different components of the supply chain, monitoring the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity factors of the reference context, and the contribution that the use of models belonging to the IMP approach can have.