The concept of “Security of Supply” has gained increasing attention in the
wake of events, such as the Fukushima accident in 2011, the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Suez Canal blockage in 2021, the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and heightened rivalry
between the US and China. These incidents have laid bare the vulnerabilities of global
supply chains and the lack of access to critical resources, such as rare earth elements.
Consequently, many nations, authorities, and companies have initiated efforts to secure
access to resources essential for societal preparedness, national defense, and the
production of vital goods and services. Achieving greater independence in critical
sectors, reducing reliance on strategic materials and components, and enhancing the
resilience of supply chains are crucial goals. The definition of critical resources and
supplies varies depending on the perspective of the examining organization, whether it
be a nation, authority, or company. This chapter aims to clarify the concept of “security
of supply” and demonstrate various factors that influence the possibility of achieving a
reasonable degree of security of supply. The approach posits that security of supply is
attained through supply chains comprising various stakeholders, including authorities,
suppliers, transporters, warehouses, receivers, and information and payment solutions.
The endurance of security of supply is contingent on the robustness of the supply chain.
The chapter includes a literature survey of the “security of supply” concept and
empirical data from four companies and two authorities in Sweden involved in the
defense sector. Beyond providing a deeper understanding of the concept, this chapter
illustrates the interconnectedness of various factors influencing the development and
sustainability of security of supply.
Keywords: Continuity management, Security of supply, Supply security, Supply endurance, Supply readiness.
