Emergent virtual networks amid emergency: insights from a case study

In the aftermath of catastrophic events, problems always arise in the supply of goods in places affected by the emergency. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) created problems, especially in the healthcare sector, contributing to the uncontrolled spread of the virus. This paper presents a case in which the emergence of a voluntary local production and distribution network based on 3D printing technology played an important role in compensating for the lack of PPE. From the case analysed, we compare the core characteristics of the emergent virtual networks against the features of well-established supply chains models to systematize relevant differences and common traits. This research contributes to defining, developing, and scoping the concept of emergent supply chains and illustrates how such networks can constitute an essential first response to the lack of materials and goods in emergency contexts.