Suppliers 4.0 digital capabilities development in support of digital supply chains: a scoping review

Digital transformation of Supply Chains (SCs) is imperative to remain competitive. Suppliers must adapt and digitally integrate into the emerging Digital Supply Chains (DSCs). This review examines how to develop the next-generation Supplier Development Programs (SDPs) in the context of DSCs in terms of the requirements to digitally transform a SC, and the emerging Digital Capabilities (DCs) needed by their members. A PRISMA scoping review was conducted to analyse existing research on DSC transformation frameworks and relevant DCs for the next-generation suppliers to digitally transform into "Suppliers 4.0" and support their emerging DSCs. Findings point out that there is no conclusive evidence in the scientific literature of a well-established Digital Transformation Framework (DTF) supporting the development of DCs in the current supplier base. An outlook is presented on the fundamental enablers for developing DSC capabilities and their alignment with the DCs required by suppliers.