Supply chain resilience as coevolution: a complex adaptive systems perspective on SME food supply chains

Purpose Contemporary food supply chains face much disruption, but despite their central role in food systems, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain underexplored in resilience research, particularly regarding how supply chain resilience develops over time and after systemic disruption. Drawing on complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory, this study examines how SME food producers address disruptions and strengthen supply chain resilience. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews with 25 SME food producers in the North East of England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by a CAS-informed analytical framework, distinguishing between the external environment, internal adaptive strategies and outcome coevolution. An iterative, abductive coding process was used to theorise resilience as a system-level phenomenon. Findings The findings demonstrate that resilience in SME food supply chains emerges not through short-term recovery alone, but through ongoing coevolution involving supply chain reconfiguration, enhanced responsiveness and incremental technological and digital innovation. SMEs progressively move beyond lean and just-in-time dependence, diversify supplier portfolios and adopt hybrid local–global sourcing structures. These structural adjustments are reinforced by learning-driven improvements in sensing and response routines, alongside gradual adoption of digital tools that enhance visibility, coordination and feedback. Together, these mechanisms reshape systems and behaviour, enhancing resilience. Originality/value This study advances supply chain resilience theory by examining how CAS constructs are operationalised to strengthen resilience in SME food supply chains. It offers empirical insight into how SMEs construct adaptive configurations following disruption, thereby bolstering resilience.