Developing Resilient, Technology-Enabled Supply Chains to Strengthen National Security and Ensure Critical Goods Availability

Abstract

The modern world economy is experiencing unprecedented shocks that undermine the national security due to vulnerabilities in supply chains. The paper will focus on the nexus between technological innovation and supply chain resilience in acquiring the necessary commodities and services to a national defense as well as the civilian population. In an in-depth evaluation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence/blockchain and Industry 4.0, this study shows how a technologically-facilitated supply chain can bolster national security preparedness. The research paper is a synthesis of the available literature that introduces a framework of designing sound supply chain architecture that is resistant to disruptions but is operationally efficient. Important results have shown that countries that put in place very comprehensive digital transformation strategies in their supply chains have much higher resilience metrics and recover more quickly in the face of crisis. The study helps in the realization of the potential of technological integration in converting any vulnerabilities that are experienced in the supply chain into strategic benefits in terms of national security.