The network in the viable system approach to the firm's government. Methodological aspects and concrete application

Purpose - The first purpose of the paper is to define the supply chain as a network through the Viable System Approach (VSA). Secondly, the paper aims to link the VSA to supply chain risk management, assuming a network perspective. Design/methodology/approach - Anchored at literature review on VSA and supply chain risk management, this paper presents a supply chain risk management framework for high tech sectors, including considerations on network measurements. Findings - This paper presents a network approach to supply chain risk management in high tech sectors, according to the VSA perspective. Assuming the network as unit of analysis means using the dyadic dimension as a tool and not longer as a termination. A proper methodological tool is presented and underpinned in the existing literature. Research limitations/implications - The theoretical nature of this study requires empirical research validation. The VSA perspective in reading the supply chain as a network is a step forward in the literature related to the System Theory. Researchers and companies can use the framework for supply chain risk management as a path to ensure a coherent risk management process along the supply chain. Practical implications - The network analysis is presented as a perspective to manipulate the supply chain network dimensions to ensure supply chain continuity. Originality/value - This paper expands the body of knowledge of the Viable System Approach to supply chains.