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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chains faced unprecedented challenges, leading to months-long delays in delivering goods and causing concerns among policymakers. Terms like “reshoring” gained popularity as companies contemplated moving manufacturing operations back to their home countries, such as the United States. However, a recent working paper sheds light on a…
South Korea has set its sights on constructing a state-of-the-art cold chain logistics center in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam by the year 2027, according to an announcement from the presidential office. This ambitious project is set to materialize through a letter of intent, soon to be signed between South Korea’s Busan Port Authority…
In a remarkable stride towards a more efficient and customer-centric supply chain, cutting-edge innovations are reshaping the industry. Technologies such as data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are taking center stage, yielding cost savings, enhanced operations, and ultimately, greater customer satisfaction. Supply chain organizations, recognizing the competitive edge of technology…
The Biden administration has launched a White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience to address America’s persistent supply chain challenges, and experts see this as a promising strategy to tackle inflation by enhancing supply stability. Wharton professor Marshall Fisher, an expert in operations, information, and decisions, praised the initiative, stating, “I would give it an…
The automotive industry is undergoing a monumental transformation as it shifts towards the production of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), heralding a new era of cleaner transportation and sustainable manufacturing. Leading automakers and innovative start-ups are establishing BEV assembly plants alongside massive gigafactories across the globe, driven by a resolute commitment to localized production. While BEVs…
In a significant development aimed at bolstering bilateral high-tech exchanges, South Korea and the Netherlands have announced the formal establishment of a “chip alliance.” This partnership holds great promise for advancing semiconductor cooperation, aligning with U.S. President Joe Biden’s efforts to diversify the global supply chain, reducing dependence on China. South Korea’s first deputy director…
The reopening of supply chains and increased hiring in the manufacturing sector have contributed to improved production and declining consumer goods prices, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The report highlights the case of Kendric Tonn, an Ohio artist, who recently purchased a washer for just $600, a price that included delivery and removal…
In the battle against the climate crisis, recognizing the dangers and understanding its causes is no longer enough. The imperative now is swift and decisive action to combat climate change by decarbonizing energy systems and transforming entire industries. While renewable energy has made significant strides, there is a pressing need to bolster supply chain resilience…
As we approach 2024, it becomes increasingly important to apply the lessons learned from the past few years, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the critical lessons is the need to establish resilient supply chains. The pandemic has highlighted that pursuing greater efficiency often comes at the expense of diminished flexibility and…
As we approach the end of 2023, it is an opportune time to assess the present condition of the freight economy. Amidst a myriad of mixed signals and indicators, optimism remains intact, though it may not be universally felt within the freight transportation and logistics sector and beyond. This discussion focuses on data-driven insights rather…