The Center for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain – Africa (CARISCA) has released its latest Research Report (June 2021–October 2025), capturing five years of research activity, publication trends, and capacity development outcomes.
The report chronicles CARISCA’s research journey since its establishment, highlighting how the Center has supported faculty and students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to strengthen research skills, increase publication output, and advance supply chain scholarship across Africa.
Expanding the Frontiers of Research
Between June 2021 and October 2025, the Center produced 140 peer-reviewed publications, including journal articles and book chapters. These works span nine major research themes:
- General logistics and supply chain
- Environmental sustainability
- Disruptions, risks, and resilience
- Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Marketing
- Institutional contexts and management
- Healthcare and pharmacy
These diverse themes underscore CARISCA’s interdisciplinary approach and its commitment to addressing real-world challenges through research that cuts across sectors.
Strong Growth in Research Output
Publication trends reveal a steady rise in research output. From an average of 21 publications per year between 2021 and 2023, CARISCA’s output increased to an average of 38.5 publications per year in 2024 and 2025, an 83% growth.
This sustained increase reflects the Center’s continued investment in mentoring, training, and research support for both faculty and students within the Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) at KNUST.
Publishing in High-Quality Journals
The quality of CARISCA’s research outputs also continues to strengthen. Nearly half of all publications appeared in top-tier journals, either Q1-ranked (top 25% globally, according to the SCImago Journal Rank) or ABS-ranked journals (recognized by the Chartered Association of Business Schools).
In total, CARISCA publications appeared in:
- 7 ABS4 journals (including one ABS4*)
- 17 ABS3 journals
- 14 ABS2 journals
- 31 ABS1 journals
In all, 50% of the Center’s publications were published in SJR Q1 journals, demonstrating CARISCA’s growing presence in high-impact academic outlets and its contribution to global scholarship on supply chain management, sustainability, and development.
Investing in Human Capacity
CARISCA’s progress is anchored in its strong focus on capacity development, equipping researchers with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to conduct and publish impactful research. By building the research capabilities of faculty and students at KNUST, CARISCA has enhanced local ownership of research and strengthened the visibility of African scholarship on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
As CARISCA transitions into its next phase, the Center remains committed to promoting rigorous, collaborative, and locally relevant research that addresses Africa’s supply chain challenges. Its research community continues to generate evidence that informs policy, supports innovation, and drives sustainable development across the continent.
