for Sustainable Supply Chains
Supply Chain Management · University West
Background
Traditional supply chains follow a take-make-dispose model, generating massive waste and inefficient resource use.
Environmental concerns and resource scarcity are forcing organizations to rethink their operational models urgently.
Circular models promoting reduce, reuse, and recycle are emerging as the sustainable alternative to linear systems.
Digital technologies and AI are transforming supply chain operations, creating new opportunities for sustainability.
Purpose
To explore how AI and Knowledge Management together can drive sustainable supply chains through circular economy integration.
Examine how AI and KM support sustainable supply chains
Understand how circular economy capabilities can be improved
Analyze how digital technologies improve knowledge sharing
Explore how KM supports resilience, efficiency and innovation
Theoretical Foundation
"KM involves creating, sharing, and applying knowledge to improve collaboration, decision-making, and innovation across the supply chain."
Supports coordination between suppliers, manufacturers and customers
Improves decision-making, innovation and operational efficiency
Knowledge sharing strengthens sustainability and resilience
Green knowledge sharing encourages sustainable innovation
Technology
Improves forecasting, inventory management and logistics optimization
Enhance traceability, transparency and real-time data across supply chains
Enable sustainability tracking and lifecycle visibility for products
Support virtual collaboration, monitoring and organizational learning
Sustainability
AI and IoT track returned products and recyclable materials efficiently
KM helps organizations adopt circular practices and extend product life cycles
Circular economy improves long-term sustainability and market position
Research Design
Selected recent peer-reviewed academic journal articles focused on AI, KM, circular economy and sustainable supply chains
Applied qualitative thematic literature review to identify recurring themes and patterns across studies
Used Knowledge Management as the theoretical framework to connect AI, circular economy and sustainability findings
Results
Organizations using AI-supported knowledge management systems show measurably improved sustainability performance and waste reduction.
Digital technologies improve real-time visibility and data-driven decisions across the entire supply chain network.
KM-enabled organizations adapt faster to environmental uncertainty and disruptions in global supply chains.
Knowledge sharing between supply chain partners significantly improves circular economy implementation outcomes.
Limitations & Outlook
Conclusion
KM is critical for sustainable supply chain management and long-term resilience
AI and digital technologies strengthen knowledge processes and sustainability performance
Circular economy success depends on collaboration and active knowledge sharing
Technology alone is insufficient — a strong learning culture is equally essential
Thank you · Questions & Discussion