How to make fragile global supply chains stronger and more sustainable

Nov 2, 2021

A shipping container is pictured near a port.

Global supply chains have conventionally been focused on achieving financial efficiency above all else. The result is messy and fragile global supply chain systems. Image: Unsplash/William william

Mohammadreza Nematollahi

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Business, University of Victoria

Cynthia Waltho

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Victoria

Adel Guitouni

Associate Professor, International Business, University of Victoria

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Cargo container ships are seen anchored outside the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., in the fall of 2021. Image: AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

Shelves are nearly empty in the paper towel section of a Target store in the U.S. in August 2021 due to COVID-19 supply chain issues.

Fragile global supply chains are exacerbated by the fragmentation of decision-making processes. Image: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Have you read?

a chart showing how we can improve supply chains carbon footprint

Many companies can multiply their climate impact by decarbonizing supply chains. Image: WEF: Net-Zero Challenge: The supply chain opportunity

Former fishing slaves who were rescued by the Indonesian government from the remote island of Benjina are seen following a 2015 investigation into slavery in the seafood industry.

The world needs robust supply chains that are founded on sustainability, collaboration, trust, transparency, visibility and diversification of supply. Image: AP Photo/Margie Mason

A driver for Safecare B.C. secures a load of personal protective equipment in a truck in Surrey, B.C. in April 2020

Responsible decision-making within supply chains has the potential to contribute to economic progress Image: Then Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

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