Robustness analysis of supply networks considering failure suppression behavior in cascading failures

Modern supply networks exhibit significant uncertainty and vulnerability, highlighting the urgency of understanding and enhancing their robustness. However, existing studies often overlook the heterogeneity of enterprise roles and failure suppression behavior in cascading failures. This study develops a cascading failure model integrating two failure suppression mechanisms: inter-enterprise collaboration and protection of important enterprises. A novel robustness evaluation index based on all-role connected subgraphs is proposed to account for the heterogeneity of enterprise roles. Numerical simulations and empirical validation reveal several key findings: (i) ignoring the heterogeneity of enterprise roles overestimates supply network robustness; (ii) inter-enterprise collaboration strengthens robustness, with seeking new alternatives proving more effective than strengthening existing partnerships; (iii) protecting important enterprises enhances robustness, with degree-based protection outperforming other centrality-based strategies. These findings theoretically advance the assessment framework for supply network robustness and practically provide actionable strategies for risk management in supply chain operations.