Supply chain resilience in societal vital sectors and functions

Purpose Severe disruptions in supply chains caused by events such as pandemics, energy crises and geopolitical tensions place significant pressure on supply chains related to societal vital sectors and functions. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of the complexity of building resilience in the supply chains that support societal vital sectors and functions. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a process model grounded in current research, incorporating insights gained through engagement with resources from the former Danish Critical Supply Agency (now Danish Resilience Agency) and representatives from various critically important societal vital sectors. Findings Based on process theory, this paper presents a four-phase process model to ensure supply chain resilience (SCRES) in societal vital sectors and functions: map the supply chains for societal vital functions under the societal vital sectors, assess the probability and consequences of incidents for societal vital functions, identify vulnerabilities for societal vital functions and conduct risk assessments and develop action plans for risk mitigation and capability building. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on societal vital sectors in Denmark, which may have a different structure and legislation compared with other countries. Practical implications This paper proposes a pragmatically structured approach to ensuring SCRES in societal vital sectors and functions, which involves significant complexity. Social implications By mapping supply chains, assessing risks and identifying vulnerabilities, the model helps societies better prepare for potential disruptions. Originality/value This paper introduces segmentation theory to segment societal vital sectors and functions to guide employees to focus their work on what is most critical. Furthermore, a supply chain perspective is applied in the analysis of societal vital sectors and functions.