Revolutionizing supply chain and circular economy with edge computing: systematic review, research themes and future directions
ISSN: 0025-1747
Article publication date: 18 September 2023
Issue publication date: 5 September 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how the implementation of edge computing can enhance the progress of the circular economy within supply chains and to address the challenges and best practices associated with this emerging technology.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a streamlined evaluation technique that employed Latent Dirichlet Allocation modeling for thorough content analysis. Extensive searches were conducted among prominent publishers, including IEEE, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, MDPI and Hindawi, utilizing pertinent keywords associated with edge computing, circular economy, sustainability and supply chain. The search process yielded a total of 103 articles, with the keywords being searched specifically within the titles or abstracts of these articles.
Findings
There has been a notable rise in the volume of scholarly articles dedicated to edge computing in the circular economy and supply chain management. After conducting a thorough examination of the published papers, three main research themes were identified, focused on technology, optimization and circular economy and sustainability. Edge computing adoption in supply chains results in a more responsive, efficient and agile supply chain, leading to enhanced decision-making capabilities and improved customer satisfaction. However, the adoption also poses challenges, such as data integration, security concerns, device management, connectivity and cost.
Originality/value
This paper offers valuable insights into the research trends of edge computing in the circular economy and supply chains, highlighting its significant role in optimizing supply chain operations and advancing the circular economy by processing and analyzing real time data generated by the internet of Things, sensors and other state-of-the-art tools and devices.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Expression of concern: The publisher of Management Decision is issuing an Expression of Concern for the following article “Akbari, M. (2023), “Revolutionizing supply chain and circular economy with edge computing: systematic review, research themes and future directions”, Management Decision, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-03-2023-0412”, which was submitted to the guest-edited special issue ‘Navigating the role of circular economy in entrepreneurship: Opportunities and challenges’. An investigation by the publisher found a number of articles with multiple concerns, including but not limited to compromised editorial handling and reviewing, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and lack of suitability for the scope of the journal. As a result of these concerns and as trust in the content is central to the integrity of the publication process, the Editor-in-Chief and publisher have taken the decision to publish an Expression of Concern for all articles within this special issue. The author of this article would like to note that they do not agree with the content of this notice. The journal has not been able to confirm whether the author was aware of these concerns. An investigation is ongoing and is currently unresolved. Further information will be provided by Management Decision as it becomes available.
Citation
Akbari, M. (2024), "Revolutionizing supply chain and circular economy with edge computing: systematic review, research themes and future directions", Management Decision, Vol. 62 No. 9, pp. 2875-2899. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-03-2023-0412
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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