Trade tensions, natural disasters, and the current global pandemic bring with them many challenges. Yet a variety of strategies, technologies, and digital innovations can help companies reduce risk and enhance supply chain resilience and agility.
In October 2020, the Value Chain Innovation Initiative hosted the executive conference “Value Chains in Turbulent Times.” More than 100 academics and industry leaders attended the two-morning event, which explored strategies and technologies that companies are using to enhance resilience and build agility in their supply chains.
Speakers at the conference agreed that continually improving the resilience of the supply chain is essential to helping firms manage during events ranging from natural disasters to once-in-a-century crises such as the current pandemic. Companies are relying heavily on both technology and collaboration among managers, engineers, data and information-technology specialists, and third-party partners. And even while they build the operational strength of their supply chains, companies remain committed to social and environmental sustainability and worker rights.
This summary highlights some of the ideas presented at the conference.