DIGITALIZATION IN THE REVERSE SUPPLY CHAIN: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Background: This article analyzes scientific sources on the process of digitalization in the reverse supply chain. Its aim is to comprehensively investigate and analyze the transformative potential of digitalization in the context of the reverse supply chain. By exploring the utilization of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, the study aims to uncover opportunities for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility of reverse supply chain processes. A significant number of studies on this topic have been published in scientific journals such as Sustainability, Business Strategy and the Environment and the International Journal Of Production Economics. The most cited authors were identified, including Gupta and Yu. Among the main countries where such research has been conducted are China, the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Pakistan.

Methods: The study included a literature review, evaluation, analysis and mapping, which allowed the authors to identify certain trends. The Scopus database was used for this purpose, and the selected articles were analyzed using MS Excel and VOSviewer. Initially, 297 documents were identified, and 82 articles remained after exclusions.

Results: The findings of the study emphasize the growing interest in this topic, the increasing number of related scientific publications, and the importance of the sustainable use of resources in the reverse supply chain.

Conclusions: The relevance of this study lies in the possibility of optimizing the processes of the reverse supply chain, ensuring the rational use of resources and achieving sustainable development. The application of the results obtained could be useful for a wide range of industries, including the activities of enterprises and the formation of policies for the management and development of economic sectors.