Mapping the Digital Transformation of Reverse Logistics: A Multi-Level Taxonomy

This article offers a comprehensive synthesis of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing digitally enabled reverse logistics (RL), addressing a gap in the current academic discourse. A systematic review of 165 scholarly publications was conducted, with 56 studies selected for in-depth qualitative content analysis. Recurring enablers and barriers were identified and organized into a structured taxonomy comprising four core dimensions: (1) Stakeholder Integration and Support, (2) Sustainable Practices and Resource Management, (3) Regulatory Compliance and Strategic Alignment, and (4) Organizational and Infrastructure Adaptability. During the taxonomy development, three systemic levels—micro (company-internal), meso (inter-organizational), and macro (external environment)—emerged inductively, capturing the multi-layered complexity of RL implementation. The resulting taxonomy constitutes a novel conceptual framework that synthesizes the current state of research, offering scholars a multi-level lens and practitioners a diagnostic tool for strategy development. The study also identifies persistent challenges and outlines future research directions at the intersection of digital transformation and circular logistics.