Uncertainties of supply chain transition and integration for Industry 5.0: a review of operations management literature

Unlike Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 is a disruptive innovation and value-driven paradigm motivated by quests to achieve industry-wide human-centric, sustainable, resilient, and connected production systems. Uncertainty, due to an absence or ambiguity in information on the supply chain transition and integration needs of Industry 5.0 systems, makes the paradigm challenging for supply chain managers. This article explores the strategies and uncertainties of supply chain transition and integration for Industry 5.0. Using a systematic review methodology, the article identifies variabilities concerning human-centric and twin transition uncertainties alongside foundational and implemental integration uncertainties for Industry 5.0 architectures and assessments. The review also captures a triad of vulnerabilities involving disruption, tension, and competition uncertainties due to Industry 5.0. Taken together, these uncertainties require an embedded-extended logic for uncertainty management based on implementing embedded strategies that deal with variabilities and enacting extended measures to cope with crisis-related events and shocks due to vulnerabilities. Additionally, the review theorises on how technology-based variations induce a ‘toss-up effect’ or indecisiveness due to the wide range of strategic options (and their potential pitfalls) available to Industry 5.0 operators or Operator 5.0. Predicated on the review insights, future research proposed includes studies on Industry 5.0 intelligence, co-creation, affordances, and risks.