Digital supply chain capabilities to face the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic

The troubles in sourcing raw materials and components, as well as logistics bottlenecks due first to the COVID 19 pandemic and more recently to geopolitical tensions and conflicts, have contributed to strong turbulence in the supply chains. To deal effectively with these disruptive events, the mere adoption of digital technologies is not enough, but the targeted development of appropriate digital capabilities is also necessary. The literature has contributed to investigating capabilities in the supply chain, but the topic of digital capabilities to face disruptive scenarios is an under-investigated topic. In this regard, this article aims to answer the following question: How the digital capabilities were able to mitigate and reduce the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic? Therefore, the purpose of this article is to explore the role of digital technologies to enable the digital capabilities that can face the latest supply chain challenges. In addition, particular attention is paid to the role of digital capabilities in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, this paper adopts the empirical case-study methodology and develops a framework that can serve as a guide for companies facing the challenges listed. This article aims to present the preliminary results of this research, shedding light on the digital capabilities developed by four manufacturing companies, engaged in structural plans for digital transformation.