Alexander Samuels
Abstract
This study explores the integration of human-centric systems within smart sustainable supply chains, emphasizing their transformative role in advancing efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability in the context of Industry 6.0. Drawing on a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA methodology, the research synthesizes insights from 23 peer-reviewed sources to identify critical opportunities and challenges linked to the adoption of human-machine collaboration technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT. The findings reveal that human-centric systems improve supply chain performance by encouraging stakeholder engagement, improving transparency, and enabling real-time decision-making. However, significant barriers such as infrastructure deficits, skill shortages, policy misalignment, and resistance to change remain prevalent, particularly in developing economies like South Africa. The study adopts the Socio-Technical Systems (STS) Theory as a guiding framework, aligning technological innovation with human values to promote holistic development. It contributes to both academic and practical discourse by offering a strategic framework for sustainable supply chain transformation. The research concludes with policy and managerial recommendations to encourage inclusive, resilient, and intelligent supply chains, while proposing future research directions to further embed human-centric innovation in supply chain ecosystems.