Article: Socio-technical transformations in citrus supply chains: a literature review based on bibliometric analysis Journal: International Journal of Integrated Supply Management (IJISM) 2026 Vol.18 No.6 pp.1 - 45 Abstract: This study examines best practices for transforming agricultural supply chains (ASCs) into sustainable systems, with a particular focus on citrus supply chains. A bibliometric analysis of 871 papers from 2010 to 2023 was conducted using BiblioShiny, from which 111 papers were selected based on sustainability criteria. The analysis revealed six major thematic clusters: sustainability assessment, circular economy and byproducts, supply chain optimisation, nutrition values, citrus growth, and citrus diseases. A notable trend is the increasing adoption of technology, especially the utilisation of citrus waste as a bio-adsorbent for wastewater treatment. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in addressing social dimensions, socio-cultural influences, transparency, and the integration of holistic sustainability transformation approaches. To address these gaps the study proposes a socio-technical framework to guide future research and promote sustainable practices within ASCs. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Socio-technical transformations in citrus supply chains: a literature review based on bibliometric analysis

Authors: Emad Alzubi; Ahmed Kassem; Ani Melkonyan-Gottschalk; Tim Gruchmann; Bernd Noche

Addresses: Transportsysteme und – Logistik, Fakultät für Ingenieurswissenschaften, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Keetmanstr. 3-9, 47058, Duisburg, Germany ' Transportsysteme und – Logistik, Fakultät für Ingenieurswissenschaften, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Keetmanstr. 3-9, 47058, Duisburg, Germany ' Nachhaltigkeit und Sozio-Technische Transformation, Institute of Geotechnology and Mineral Resources, Technische Universität Clausthal, Leibnizstraße 23, 38678, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany ' University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 44, 44227, Dortmund, Germany ' Transportsysteme und – Logistik, Fakultät für Ingenieurswissenschaften, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Keetmanstr. 3-9, 47058, Duisburg, Germany

Abstract: This study examines best practices for transforming agricultural supply chains (ASCs) into sustainable systems, with a particular focus on citrus supply chains. A bibliometric analysis of 871 papers from 2010 to 2023 was conducted using BiblioShiny, from which 111 papers were selected based on sustainability criteria. The analysis revealed six major thematic clusters: sustainability assessment, circular economy and byproducts, supply chain optimisation, nutrition values, citrus growth, and citrus diseases. A notable trend is the increasing adoption of technology, especially the utilisation of citrus waste as a bio-adsorbent for wastewater treatment. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in addressing social dimensions, socio-cultural influences, transparency, and the integration of holistic sustainability transformation approaches. To address these gaps the study proposes a socio-technical framework to guide future research and promote sustainable practices within ASCs.

Keywords: agriculture; citrus; supply chain; socio-technical transformations; sustainability practices; sustainability transformation; bibliometric analysis; literature review.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2026.152741

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2026 Vol.18 No.6, pp.1 - 45

Received: 03 May 2025
Accepted: 05 Feb 2026
Published online: 08 Apr 2026 *

Title: Socio-technical transformations in citrus supply chains: a literature review based on bibliometric analysis

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