Drivers of supply chain vulnerability: an integrated framework

Purpose This paper aims to report on findings of a cross‐sector empirical study of the sources and drivers of supply chain vulnerability. Design/methodology/approach The research was undertaken in accordance with the realist tradition. It begins with a descriptive exploratory stage involving an in‐depth exploratory case study of aerospace industry supply chains, validated through in‐depth interviews with managers representing other “critical sectors” of the UK economy. This is followed by an explanatory theoretical stage. The work is supported throughout with reference to relevant literature sources. Findings The findings highlight the absence of any widespread understanding of the scope of and dynamic nature…