Title: Supplier development for sustainability in the healthcare supply chain: an empirical study of a developing country during COVID-19

Authors: Nooshin Ghanbari; Reza Hafezi; Mohamad Sadegh Sangari; Ali Bozorgi-Amiri

Addresses: Fouman Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran ' Science and Technology Futures Studies, National Research Institute for Science Policy, Tehran, Iran ' Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, Ontario, Canada ' School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate how sustainability in economic, social, and environmental dimensions can be enhanced through supplier development in the healthcare supply chain. Data were collected through a survey study, and partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis. The findings demonstrate that strengthening relationships between customers and suppliers is a key factor in enhancing supply chain sustainability. This study reveals that improvements in the activities that contribute to supplier development have a significant impact on fostering trust, customer awareness, and the supplier's brand image. These enhancements can significantly improve supply chain sustainability within the healthcare industry. The research results aim to provide an integrated perspective on supply chain sustainability, emphasising its economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Keywords: healthcare systems; buyer-supplier relationship; sustainability; supplier development; structural equation modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2026.151752

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2026 Vol.53 No.2, pp.212 - 234

Received: 22 Sep 2023
Accepted: 25 Sep 2023
Published online: 18 Feb 2026 *

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