Research on the Evolution of Supply Chain based on Complex Adaptive System Theory

The core idea and basic views of the complex adaptive system theory are expounded, and the compatibility between complex adaptive system theory and supply chain is demonstrated. With the independent enterprises participating in the operation of supply chain system as the adaptive agents, a hierarchical system model of department-enterprise-multi-agent is constructed under the theoretical framework of complex adaptive system. The whole evolution process and main characteristics of each stage of supply chain’s evolution and development are revealed. The key technology system of supply chain optimization in the future is studied by using complex adaptive system theory from simulative perspective and entity optimization aspect. This paper proposes a thinking pattern to study the evolution process of supply chain by using complex adaptive system theory.