Models and strategies for supply chain synchronization: A 2010-2025 review of small business and agro-industrial sector experiences

Abstract

Purpose: This article presents a systematic review of the knowledge management literature focused on integration strategies and models in supply chain (SC) collaboration. Although previous research has highlighted the benefits of SC linkages, limited attention has been given to the specific strategies and models that underpin these connections, particularly how they operate within SC integration.

Design/methodology/approach: A four-phase systematic review was conducted, analyzing 173 publications from 2010 to 2024 in both Spanish and English. The study examines: SC collaboration improvement, quantitative integration methods, integration strategies, and model development for effective SC linkages.

Findings: The results highlight the crucial role of digital technologies and collaborative approaches for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in maintaining competitiveness and long-term viability. Significant differences in linkage models and strategies were observed across continents, with most integration strategies developed at the initial stages of the SC. More than 50% of the studies report linkage activities between suppliers, organizations, and customers. Information exchange between SC actors was identified as a key factor in reinforcing these connections.

Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by the scope of the publications reviewed, which are confined to literature published between 2010 and 2024. Future research could explore more diverse regional contexts and expand on the evolving technological challenges faced by SMEs in SC collaboration.

Practical implications: SMEs must adopt digital technologies to overcome resource constraints and enhance their ability to integrate into global SCs. The research identifies region-specific strategies and tools that can guide SMEs in adopting context-appropriate models for effective SC collaboration.

Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the differentiation of SC integration models and strategies across continents, particularly within the agro-industrial sector. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the digital and structural challenges that SMEs face and describes practical solutions to enhance SC integration through tailored regional strategies.