Risk Management and Macroeconomic Disruptions in Supply Chains: The Role of Blockchain, Digital Twins, Generative AI, and Quantum Computing

Abstract

The global economy faces increasing vulnerabilities from macroeconomic disruptions, such as regulatory changes, trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, currency volatility, pandemics, and energy crises that undermine the resilience of operations and supply chain management (OSCM) systems. These disruptions exacerbate risks, including supply chain breakdowns, operational inefficiencies, and systemic weaknesses, with energy challenges emerging as a key concern due to their effects on production costs, inflation, and sustainability goals. Advanced technologies, such as blockchain, digital twins, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing, offer transformative potential to enhance transparency, predictive accuracy, and decision-making agility. However, their adoption introduces inherent tradeoffs, as they can lead to energy-intensive operations, cybersecurity risks, and economic burdens. To make sense of these dynamics, this article develops a conceptual framework based on a multilayered information system architecture that links specific disruptions to corresponding digital responses. This framework is grounded in a thorough review of both conceptual and empirical literature, along with extensive discussions among the authors. It explores how these technologies can address the risks stemming from macroeconomic disruptions while also considering their broader economic implications and challenges. It argues that simplistic solutions fail to account for the duality of these technologies’ impacts and highlights the need for a systemic approach to integrate these technologies within OSCM. This article concludes by proposing actionable research directions for OSCM scholars and managers to navigate these complexities.