Carbon‐cutting chess: strategizing resilient low‐carbon investments for supply chains

This research presents a novel empirical and analytical method for strategizing low-carbon investment strategies (LCIS) in supply chains, viewed through the lens of sustainable and resilient efficiency. The study develops a clear, actionable framework for identifying, evaluating, and implementing LCIS by using a mixed-methods design. This design integrates focus groups and surveys with 27 industry experts and validates the findings through semistructured interviews. It identifies critical LCIS and tailored success factors that are central to assessing sustainability and resilience outcomes. Key factors derived from expert insights, such as collaborative agility, regulatory adaptability, and support for technological innovation, are highlighted as essential enablers of success. The results indicate that strategies like circular economy practices and the transition to renewable energy are immediate priorities for achieving sustainability and resilience efficiency. In contrast, other strategies, such as lifecycle emission analysis and carbon offsetting programs, demonstrate more sector-specific or specialized impacts, necessitating tailored approaches in practice. Furthermore, the orientation of evaluation, whether prioritizing sustainability, resilience, or overall performance, should be explicitly aligned with the organization's strategic objectives. This is important because the relative ranking of each strategy may vary depending on the chosen performance focus, thus emphasizing the need to define strategic priorities early on.

A significant finding is the misalignment between expert perceptions and quantitative assessments, particularly in cases where specific strategies (e.g., carbon offsetting) received lower empirical rankings despite being highly regarded by practitioners. This emphasizes the value of integrating expert judgment with analytical methods to enhance strategic relevance and prioritization. Finally, the research provides practical recommendations for supply chain professionals and policymakers, advocating for the adoption of adaptable, context-sensitive LCIS that foster long-term resilience in the face of climate challenges and global market uncertainty.