Carbon transparency in global supply chains: The mediating role of institutional and innovative capacity

The aim of this bibliometric study is to examine carbon transparency within global supply chains and the mediating roles of institutional and innovative capacities. The study retrieved 116 documents from Scopus and Web of Science databases for the period 2001–2023. The study unveils three developmental phases. The early phase (2001–2010) lays the foundation for holistic sustainable manufacturing and sets the stage for subsequent exploration of topics like carbon transparency and eco-design. The second phase (2011–2015) shifts focus to the practical implementation of sustainable manufacturing and eco-conscious supply chains. The third phase (2016–2020) scrutinizes institutional pressures and innovations in measuring environmental impact of supply chains. The most recent phase (2021–2023) highlights a growing interest in innovation, particularly in developing countries, emphasizing technological contributions to sustainable development across economic and environmental dimensions. The key factors propelling the exponential growth of research in this domain, include heightened global awareness of climate change, a focus on sustainable development goals and transition to green economies, and the increasing complexity of contemporary supply chains. The study also highlighted developing countries' commitment to carbon transparency and sustainability, offering insights from Brazil and Malaysia. •Academic discourse on carbon transparency, global supply chains, and institutional capacity has significantly increased.•The growing institutionalization of carbon transparency compels corporations to ensure transparency in reporting processes.•Transparency is recognized as a potent tool in demystifying the complexities of global supply chains.•Sustainable manufacturing has undergone a paradigm shift towards carbon transparency in global supply chains.