Global Supply Chain Disruptions and Manufacturing in Flux: A Bibliometric and Systematic Post-Pandemic Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed global manufacturing supply chains, exposing structural vulnerabilities and shifting the focus from cost efficiency to resilience. This study aims to analyze the evolution of supply chain disruption research and identify strategic responses within the manufacturing sector in the post-pandemic era. A dual-method approach was employed, combining bibliometric analysis of 550 Scopus-indexed articles with a systematic literature review of 54 high-impact studies published between 2020 and 2026, following the PRISMA protocol. The findings reveal a transition from short-term disruption recovery to a state of “structural flux,” characterized by persistent geopolitical, environmental, and technological uncertainties. Critical manufacturing sectors exhibit targeted vulnerabilities, while general manufacturing faces systemic disruptions, requiring distinct resilience strategies. Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems, play a pivotal role in enabling adaptive and predictive supply chain management. Furthermore, emerging frameworks such as Industry 5.0 and viable supply chain models highlight a shift toward human-centric and structurally robust systems. The study recommends enhancing technological integration, operational agility, and cross-sector collaboration to build proactive resilience against future disruptions.