On June 3, 2021, the Value Chain Innovation Initiative hosted the executive workshop “Value Chains in a Post-COVID World,” to explore the long-term impacts of the pandemic on companies’ value chains. Examples of topics covered include changes in operations at distribution centers and stores in response to consumers’ evolving expectations and behaviors, and a growing emphasis on domestic manufacturing and vertical integration as a way to improve agility and lower risk.
Participants also discussed other trends that are expected to have a significant impact on value chains in the coming years. One such trend was a refocus on sustainability and the use of advanced technologies and data science to support related practices. Another topic of discussion was the way technologies such as IoT and autonomous trucks can help smooth the physical movement of goods. At the same time, speakers also emphasized the essential role that humans will continue to play.