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 documents CARISCA’s research journey since its establishment, outlining how the Center has supported faculty and students at 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:
(1) general logistics and supply chain, (2) environmental sustainability, (3) disruptions, risks, and resilience, (4) technology, (5) entrepreneurship, (6) agriculture and agribusiness, (7) marketing, (8) institutional contexts and management, and (9) healthcare and pharmacy.
These diverse themes highlight 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 show a steady increase in output over time. From an average of 21 publications per year between 2021 and 2023, CARISCA’s output rose to an average of 38.5 publications per year in 2024 and 2025, representing an 83% increase.
This growth reflects the results of continued investment in research mentoring, training, and support for both faculty and students within the Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) department 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 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
50% of the Center’s publications appeared in SJR Q1 journals, indicating that the CARISCA team was able to publish the majority of its research outputs in the top 25% of prestigious journals.-
These results reflect the Center’s growing presence in high-impact academic platforms and its contribution to global conversations on supply chain management, sustainability, and development.
Investing in Human Capacity
CARISCA’s progress is grounded in its 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 strengthened local ownership of research and enhanced the visibility of African scholarship on global platforms.
Looking Ahead
As CARISCA moves into its next phase, it continues to promote rigorous, collaborative, and locally relevant research to address Africa’s supply chain challenges. The Center’s research community remains committed to producing evidence that informs policy, supports innovation, and drives sustainable development.