Socially relevant and inclusive operations management

Many parts of the world are experiencing extreme weather events, energy poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic healthcare. Moreover, concerns over socioeconomic, gender, and racial inequalities are growing. These socially relevant issues are ripe for analysis and improvement using an operations management lens. In this paper, we review some of the relevant research advancements made in the last decade, and identify future research directions on these important topics. In particular, we focus on papers related to sustainable planet (renewable energy, environmentally and socially responsible operations, regulation-driven operations), agriculture, and public health. For future research directions, we discuss the role of innovative business models and disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, in addressing these pressing issues.

Automated summary

Research shows that many parts of the world are facing extreme weather events, energy poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic healthcare, with growing concerns over socioeconomic, gender, and racial inequalities. Operations management can be a means to improve these issues, and future research should focus on innovative business models and disruptive technologies.