Green Supply Chain Management as a Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Development: A Systematic Literature Review

Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and sustainable economic development are two areas that have been studied extensively by scholars. However, there continues to exist a lack of cohesion or integration across academic fields regarding how GSCM can act as a catalyst for economic sustainability. This systematic literature review attempts to create a cohesive body of knowledge by exploring the drivers, barriers, and outcome measures associated with GSCM specifically within the context of creating sustainable economic growth in the long term. A structured literature review approach was used; this included conducting an extensive search of all relevant articles using multiple databases, followed by a thorough review and thematic analysis based upon the dimensions outlined above. The results indicate that GSCM is primarily influenced by the pressure of regulatory requirements and expectations of stakeholders. Financial constraints and technology gaps remain significant obstacles to the effective implementation of GSCM. Additionally, our analyses indicate that GSCM will enhance both environmental and economic performance when it is practiced with circular economy strategies and digital technologies such as AI and big data. The review shows that small- to medium-sized enterprises and firms in emerging economies face different practicalities than other types of organizations in terms of implementing GSCM strategically. However, SMEs and firms in emerging economies may benefit proportionally more than others from adopting GSCM strategically. Industry-specific case studies show that the success of GSCM practices varies widely depending on the sector; therefore, consideration of context is required. Additionally, the various theoretical frameworks discussed throughout the literature have developed from linear models towards more dynamic system-based models, indicating a developing discipline. In conclusion, we find that GSCM does not solely serve as an operational tool; rather, it acts as a strategic enabler of sustainable economic development, provided that it is implemented appropriately relative to organizational and regional context.