THE IMPACT OF INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES ON SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

This dissertation examines the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on supply chain resilience in Saudi Arabia, where initiatives such as Internet of Things and the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (GSCRI) are central to industrial transformation. A systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework was conducted, covering academic and grey literature published between 2020 and 2025. The search initially yielded 315 records; after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 studies were selected for detailed analysis. The findings indicate thatInternet of Things (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins are the leading technologies supporting resilience capabilities, particularly in risk mitigation, operational continuity, agility, and sustainability. However, barriers such as high implementation costs, limited absorptive capacity, institutional inertia, and fragmented infrastructure constrain their full potential. This research contributes by integrating insights from policy initiatives, industry practices, and recent empirical studies to show how Industry 4.0 adoption strengthens resilience in supply chains within an emerging economy context. It underscores the strategic role of digital transformation in enabling continuity, flexibility, and sustainability. The study concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance workforce skills, and foster cross-sector collaboration. It also highlights avenues for future research, including empirical studies on digital maturity and comparative analyses across sectors and regions.