Mapping supply dynamics in renewable feedstock enabled industries: A systems theory perspective on ‘green’ pharmaceuticals

Abstract

This paper provides a multi-stage multi-layer mapping methodology for capturing the macro-level supply chain dynamics that govern industrial systems using renewable feedstocks. The mapping approach combines the Industrial Systems Mapping and System Dynamics principles to systematically capture the interrelations across: (i) institutional players, (ii) sector specialists, (iii) products and intermediates, (iv) production operations, and (v) firms within the supply chain. The interfaces are further explored at four interconnected and mutually interacting theme areas of analysis, namely: (i) renewable chemical feedstocks, (ii) production technologies, (iii) target markets, and (iv) value and economic viability. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach by mapping the dynamics in industrial systems for the production of 'green' pharmaceuticals, particularly via the illustrative case of paracetamol. Through the use of the proposed integrated mapping process the case study demonstrates the principal interrelationships and inter-firm dynamics between the different layers of analysis. Three main drivers are identified that could enhance supply network transformations for improved viability of these developing industrial systems, namely: (i) regulatory conformance with market requirements, (ii) system level feasibility assessment of given renewable feedstocks, and (iii) target market volume demand. The causal feedback elements of the provided mapping technique indicate that it could support the analysis of industrial systems' transformation dynamics enabled by renewable feedstocks. The standardisation of the methodology and its elements provides for an effective visualisation technique with cross-industry relevance.

Digital supply network design: a Circular Economy 4.0 decision-making system for real-world challenges

“…Projections show an anticipated increase in demand for chemicals of circa 45% during the next decade (ExxonMobil 2015). Hence, the exploitation of sustainable chemical feedstocks for the engineering of commercial products, typically petrochemical-based, is highly advocated as in the case of plastics manufactured from plant-derived lignocellulosic biomass (Artz and Palkovits 2018), or in the 'green' paracetamol paradigm produced from either citrus waste or waste from Kraft paper and pulp industries (Tsolakis and Srai 2018).…”

“…In particular, causal loops refer to directed arrows among parameters and variables of a system denoted by either a positive ('þ') polarity (i.e., the effect changes accordingly to the causereinforcing feedback, R) or a negative ('À') polarity (i.e., the effect changes reversely to the cause balancing feedback, B). System Dynamics is also recommended as a mapping methodology for investigating industrial network systems enabled by renewable feedstocks, and has been specifically used in the case of 'green' pharmaceuticals produced from naturally occurring or wasted terpenoid compounds (Tsolakis and Srai 2018).…”

Artificial intelligence and blockchain implementation in supply chains: a pathway to sustainability and data monetisation?

“…The complexity and non-linear behaviour of the digital-enabled fish supply network system are captured through a causal loop diagram developed based on the principles of System Dynamics. Causal loop diagrams have been successfully used as a mapping approach for capturing the macro-level interactions among essential structural elements of future state supply chains (Tsolakis & Srai, 2018 ).…”

Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models

“…In general, a business model visualization tool improves understanding and helps to process complex data, information and experiences. The insertion of data and information in a visualization tool allows an immediate monitoring of results, ensuring that models are performing as intended [49][50][51][52][53]. CBMs are business models designed on the CE paradigm, characterized by a new approach to generate economic value and devise products and services, since they strive for: (i) employing fewer materials and resources for products and/or services; (ii) extending their life; and (iii) closing the loop with the recovery of waste value, maintaining and/or improving company's competitiveness.…”