Post-Pandemic Recovery and Future Trends in Supply Chains Management

Abstract; The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted global supply chains, exposing structural fragilities inherent in efficiency-driven, globally dispersed production networks. While a substantial body of post-pandemic research has emerged, empirical studies integrating recovery mechanisms with future-oriented supply chain capabilities remain limited. Drawing on resilience, viability, and socio-technical systems perspectives, this study investigates how digital transformation, sustainability practices, visibility, and industry context shape post-pandemic supply chain resilience and long-term viability. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, quantitative data from 378 supply chain professionals across six industries were analyzed using SPSS regression techniques, followed by 18 expert interviews. Results indicate that digital transformation significantly enhances resilience, visibility is the strongest accelerator of recovery speed, and sustainability practices positively influence long-term viability. Industry context further moderates’ recovery pathways, underscoring sector-specific vulnerabilities. By empirically operationalizing supply chain viability and linking recovery strategies with emerging future trends, this study advances supply chain theory and provides actionable guidance for designing future-ready supply networks.