Contributing Factors for Building a Flexible Supply Chain in the Digital Age: Studying Their Impact on SDGs

The rapid advancement in digital technologies has required supply chains to adapt to more flexible and resilient frameworks. This study explores the potential contributing factors to developing a flexible supply chain in the digital age and evaluates their impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs the fuzzy Delphi method and the fuzzy best–worst method to systematically identify and prioritise the potential contributing factors from a literature survey and expert insights. The fuzzy Delphi method is utilised to attain a consensus among experts on relevant contributing factors, while the fuzzy best–worst method assesses the relative importance among factors and ranks them based on their contributions to supply chain flexibility. The findings emphasise the importance of digital integration, data analytics, and agile methodologies to foster a responsive supply chain. Additionally, the study highlights the positive association between enhanced supply chain flexibility and attaining several SDGs. The study presents a comprehensive framework for supply chain flexibility, integrating supplier diversity, technology, and risk management. Furthermore, it suggests that sustainability, human capital, and risk management are key to building flexible, adaptable supply chains. The study’s findings emphasise the need for investment in digital technologies, agility, and collaboration. This study provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers and business leaders, aiming to align sustainable development objectives with supply chain strategies in the digital era.