This study investigates the ways in which supply chain practices are adopted by firms to address the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). By employing a practice-based studies perspective, we explored empirical insights from case studies to advance our knowledge in the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) field.
A meta-synthesis of publications was conducted through the content analysis of 28 primary case studies published between 2015 and 2024. We identified what, where, by whom, why and how multiple practices were explored toward SDGs.
Our findings are constituted of four bundles of practices that emerged from the analysis. We noted that supply chain practices rely on their surroundings (e.g. context and sector) and have both direct and indirect relationships with SDGs. Based on our analysis, SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 2 (zero hunger) are the most frequently targeted goals in SSCM. Most cases focused on developing economies and limited to a few sectors (i.e. agri-food related), offering a wide spectrum for further research.
By exploring a meta-synthesis method, which remains underutilized in our field, this study provides a comprehensive systematization of the ways in which SSCM research has linked SDGs and supply chain practices. We provide an understanding that firms’ supply chain practices can lead to SDG implementation should provide indication of sustainable practices that contribute to the SDGs, instead of assuming implicit connections.
