Rethinking resilience: bridging due diligence gaps to mitigate supply chain risks

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the key factors affecting supply chain due diligence (SCDD), evaluating their associated risks and proposing appropriate mitigation strategies that bridge due diligence gaps and strengthen resilience in global supply chains. Design/methodology/approach Key due diligence factors were identified through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations. The study adopts a multimethod approach that integrates multiple theoretical perspectives, the Fuzzy Evidential Reasoning Algorithm (FERA) and risk profiling analysis. Findings The results identify critical due diligence factors, including regulatory compliance, transparency, supplier evaluation, ethical sourcing, data governance and sustainability practices, that significantly influence governance, operational stability and environmental performance. The study further develops targeted mitigation strategies based on risk intensity and strategic priority. Practical implications The proposed framework supports practitioners and policymakers in making risk-sensitive decisions to strengthen due diligence, improve transparency, enhance compliance and build more resilient and sustainable supply chain operations. Originality/value This study contributes to the SCDD literature by integrating governance, operational and sustainability dimensions within a unified prioritization framework, building on the established FERA rather than proposing a new computational technique. The framework offers a systematic approach for identifying and mitigating due diligence gaps in global supply chains, with SDGs 8, 9 and 13 addressed as an indicative conceptual mapping rather than a directly measured outcome.