A structured literature review on the interplay between emerging technologies and COVID-19 – insights and directions to operations fields

Abstract

In recent years, emerging technologies have gained popularity and being implemented in different fields. Thus, critical leading-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and other related technologies (blockchain, simulation, 3d printing, etc.) are transforming the operations and other traditional fields and proving their value in fighting against unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks. However, due to this relation's novelty, little is known about the interplay between emerging technologies and COVID-19 and its implications to operations-related fields. In this vein, we mapped the extant literature on this integration by a structured literature review approach and found essential outcomes. In addition to the literature mapping, this paper's main contributions were identifying literature scarcity on this hot topic by operations-related fields; consequently, our paper emphasizes an urgent call to action. Also, we present a novel framework considering the primary emerging technologies and the operations processes concerning this pandemic outbreak. Also, we provided an exciting research agenda and four propositions derived from the framework, which are collated to operations processes angle. Thus, scholars and practitioners have the opportunity to adapt and advance the framework and empirically investigate and validate the propositions for this and other highly disruptive crisis.

Evaluating the impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on supply chain risks by modified failure mode and effects analysis: a case study in an automotive company

“…Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has mutated, resulting in different variants of the virus. The current COVID-19 and its new variants resulted in massive damage to all fields and organizations' businesses and brought panic worldwide (Qayyum, 2021 ; Queiroz & Fosso Wamba, 2021 ; Sharma, 2021b ). One of the unique characteristics of the COVID-19 outbreak is that it is the first long-term supply chain disruption in decades (Ivanov, 2021 ).…”

The pursuit of relevance and impact: A review of the immediate response of the information systems field to COVID‐19

“…Papers shared a level of techno‐optimism in the immediate response phase, evidenced through discussions on using AI for signs of the disease (Sipior, 2020) or consideration of how AI and automation can address the unavailability of human workers in the health sector (Coombs, 2020). Further study of how AI was enacted across different areas in COVID‐19 will be useful to the growing literature that positions AI as disruptive technology and at the centre of future research (Collins, Dennehy, Conboy, & Mikalef, 2021; Queiroz & Fosso Wamba, 2021). At the same time, there are partially opposing findings and viewpoints on the role of technology, with examples of technology‐mediated responses such as telemedicine that were not as successful as hoped (Rahi et al, 2021), or outlines of the immaturity of AI‐based applications (Sipior, 2020; Thomas et al, 2020; Wang & Wu, 2020).…”

Guest editorialEmerging technologies in emergency situations

“…From the lens of benefits, emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, big data analytics, 3D printing, IoT and digital twins can reshape operations and supply chain relationships, bringing more efficiency and minimising costs throughout an operation. Interaction and integration between emerging technologies can improve response times and visibility considerably in emergency situations, helping organisations mitigate and recover from a crisis (Dubey et al, 2020;Ivanov, 2021;Queiroz and Fosso Wamba, 2021).…”