We organize professional conferences and workshops, bringing together industry leaders and academics to discuss recent trends and innovations in global value chain management.
Read our event summaries to learn about some of the strategies and technologies that leading organizations utilize to improve the efficiency, resilience, agility, and sustainability of their global value chain operations.
October 2017
This executive conference was co-sponsored by the Center for Work, Technology & Organization at Stanford School of Engineering and the Stanford Value Chain Innovation Initiative. Participants explored new business models arising from automation and collaborative forms of work. Speakers included leaders from an online labor market firm, 3D printing firm, open innovation design firm, augmented reality company, HR analytics company and more. Participants discussed and debated the economic value generated from new models of collaboration and work, along with the implications of new technologies on the meaning of work, teams and organizations.
May 2017
A continuation of the themes explored in The Rise of the Internet of Things in Global Value Chains (Israel, December 2016), this conference gathered over 100 people to discuss the current and future applications of the Internet of Things in value chains. Read the Insights coverage.
December 2016
This conference focused on the growing influence of the Internet of Things (IoT) in global value chains. Participants discussed questions such as: How will continued improvements in IoT technology and affordability affect retailers, manufacturers, logistics firms, marketing firms and other global value chain actors? What threats does the technology pose, and what opportunities can arise from the changing nature of how devices and products exchange information? Attendees discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with the growth of IoT, along with current trends. They also discussed new technologies and the service providers and firms using IoT in their business.
October 2016
At this event, academics and industry practitioners gathered to discuss and debate the key disruptions which will alter global first and last mile logistics in the near future. Disruptions such as drones, self-driving cars, new logistics models from online e-commerce platforms (Amazon) and asset free, algorithm-based companies like Roadie and Uber were discussed. Participants and panelists explored how the changing landscape of e-commerce is affecting retailers, online marketplaces, logistics providers and others along the value chain.
May 2016
Faculty, students, agribusiness entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, impact investors and other executives gathered to discuss value chain strategies to build social, environmental and economic value in global agriculture value chains. The goal of this conference was to explore key challenges balancing agricultural growth with sustainability and poverty alleviation in developing economies. Over the course of four panels and one wrap-up session, attendees discussed and debated operational strategies to promote social progress, sustainability, and inclusivity along agricultural value chains.
April 2016
This roundtable focused on the growing influence of 3D printing in global value chains. How will continued improvements in the technology and affordability of 3D printers affect retailers, manufacturers, logistics firms and other global value chain actors? What threats does the technology pose, and what opportunities can arise from the changing nature of how products are created? Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with the growth of 3D printing. Applications in health, automotive, shoes, manufacturing and other sectors were discussed. Efforts to produce mass customization at scale were highlighted, as was the shift from 3D printing as merely a prototyping tool.
October 2015
Online and multichannel retailers have access to information from internet shopping habits, browsing activity, social networking activity, mobile phone use and much more. With the wealth of information available, it can be challenging to derive meaningful insights on what customers are looking for. Increasingly, companies are using big data and analytics to better understand customer habits and needs, identify markets and personalize messaging. Participants from industry and academia discussed how a data-driven approach helps companies to grow sales both locally and globally. Challenges around the changing path to market, optimizing marketing for online and mobile platforms, cultivating global customers, social media communications, personalized marketing and more were discussed.
December 2014
This event was co-sponsored by the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University; WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany; Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis; Graduate School of Business, Stanford University; Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University, Japan; and Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University. Academics and industry practitioners discussed results from a global benchmark study assessing the drivers and challenges behind global sourcing decisions. Industry perspectives from automotive, manufacturing, ICT and other sectors were shared.
November 2014
The Stanford Value Chain Innovation Initiative co-hosted an international conference on university social responsibility with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and other partners. The Value Chain Innovation Initiative’s research on responsible supply chains was presented to highlight the role universities can have in spurring social change among the student body and the world at large.
October 2014
Attendees explored how mobile purchasing, same-day delivery and other trends are driving e-commerce companies toward a “new logistics.” Discussions centered around how new technologies and changing consumer behaviors are creating opportunities in the e-commerce value chain. Attendees learned about the continued rise in omnichannel commerce, the growth of mobile and social commerce, and innovations in logistics that are responding to these dynamics.
