Mapping material dependencies and supply chain exposure: a regional resilience assessment in France

• We develop three novel indices of regional material dependence and exposure. • Economic resilience of 94 French NUTS-3 regions is tested across 2008 & 2020. • Material autonomy is not systematically linked to higher economic resilience. • Local resource mobilisation buffered regions during the COVID-19 shock. • Regional typology shows persistent spatial inequalities and policy insights. This article explores the link between material dependence and regional economic resilience across 94 French NUTS-3 regions by combining material flow indicators with resilience metrics. We develop three indices—Material Dependence (MDI), Material Mobilisation (MMI), and Material Exchange (MEI)—to capture both local resource use and exposure to global supply chains. Using OLS regressions, we assess their influence on resilience during the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 shock, supported by a typology of material profiles. Findings show that material autonomy does not guarantee resilience; rural, extractive regions with high autonomy often proved less resilient. Local material mobilisation buffered impacts during COVID-19, underscoring the context-specific nature of resilience. Finally, spatial inequalities persist: metropolitan and port regions remain resilient despite external dependence, while many rural areas are doubly vulnerable. Policy recommendations include supporting local mobilisation in vulnerable regions, diversifying supply chains, and fostering regional coordination in circular economy strategies.