Exploring Industry 4.0 Technologies Applications in the Healthcare Supply Chain

The thesis explores the Healthcare Supply Chain (HSC) and the transformational potential of Industry 4.0 technologies which are destined to improve its efficiency, resilience, and performances at large. The thesis work explores the characteristics of such technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Cloud Computing in the HSC, based on the existing literature and real-world examples. Interviews with experts in the industry also offer useful perspectives on their viability and current state of adoption. Besides the recognition of some best practice examples about digital transformation, the thesis also underlines the main obstacles in the process, better known as “barriers to implementation”. Ultimately, directions for further research are presented in the conclusions to stimulate and guide future investigations with regard to this industry specifically.