Counterfeiting From an Operations and Engineering Management Perspective

Counterfeiting poses a significant and growing threat to the global economy and has been examined through marketing, legal, manufacturing, and behavioral lenses. This article introduces new directions for research from an operations and engineering management (O&EM) perspective—including operations management, engineering management, and industrial engineering - with the aim of encouraging broader engagement from these disciplines. While drawing from insights in adjacent fields, the focus remains on applying O&EM-based models and tools to confront the practical challenges posed by counterfeiting. The authors develop a structured framework to guide researchers in exploring technological and strategic innovations that can help reduce the prevalence and impact of counterfeit products. These include approaches rooted in product and process design, global sourcing strategies, blockchain-enabled traceability, and circular economy integration. As the authors will suggest, both analytical modelling and empirical research can be applied to assess these solutions and their implications for operational performance, economic resilience, and sustainability.