The COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain: international cooperation patterns and influence mechanism
Benchmarking: An International Journal
ISSN: 1463-5771
Article publication date: 14 March 2023
Issue publication date: 8 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to undertake a systematic analysis of the supply chain literature to uncover the changes and patterns of international cooperation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the information on supply chain-related publications in the Web of Science (WOS) database is analyzed using statistical techniques and visual approaches. The focus is on the five countries with the highest number of supply chain publications, accounting for approximately 70% of global publications. This in-depth analysis aims to provide a clearer understanding of the cooperation patterns and their impact on the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings
The results of the study reveal that the growth rate of international cooperation in supply chain research during the COVID-19 pandemic is higher compared to the 5-year and 10-year periods before the pandemic. This suggests that the pandemic has not hindered international cooperation in the field, but instead has increased collaboration. In terms of international cooperation patterns, the findings indicate that China and the USA have a strong partnership, with China being the largest partner for the USA and vice versa. The UK's largest partner is China, India's largest partner is the UK and Italy's largest partner is also the UK. This implies that trade, rather than the pandemic, is a determining factor in supply chain research.
Research limitations/implications
This study examines the patterns of international cooperation in supply chain research during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into the changes and mechanisms of international cooperation in this field. Moreover, the results of this study may offer practical benefits for supply chain operators and managers. By providing a deeper understanding of the international cooperation patterns in the field, this research could contribute to the recovery and growth of the global supply chain.
Social implications
This study's analysis of the impact of crisis events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on international cooperation in supply chain research contributes to the theoretical development of the field. Additionally, by examining how academia responds to emergencies, it provides valuable insights for operations and supply chain managers in their pursuit of more effective supply chain management.
Originality/value
This study provides a preliminary examination of the international cooperation patterns of supply chain research in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, representing a novel and early contribution to the existing literature, helping to expand upon current understanding in the field and provide a more comprehensive perspective. Furthermore, this study offers a practical analysis strategy for future supply chain research, fostering progress and growth in the field.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the editor and these anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful comments and constructive suggestions, which greatly helped us to improve the manuscript. The authors thank the following funds for their support: National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 72104246), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (22CX04010B).
Citation
Wang, Q., Zhang, M. and Li, R. (2024), "The COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain: international cooperation patterns and influence mechanism", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 466-486. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-04-2022-0257
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited