Achieving data-led innovation for the modern supply chain
A persistent pandemic, economic uncertainty, and a global geopolitical conflict continue to dominate headlines and fuel Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) frustrations. Navigating uncertainties—and managing supply chain challenges accordingly—has out of necessity become a top business priority for boards and C-suites alike.
As sustainability concerns escalate and extreme weather conditions are more frequent, this generation of business leaders is facing an extraordinary situation. A heightened emphasis on supply chain functionalities and roles gives CSCOs the expertise, latitude, and authority to innovate into a data-led future. And Innovators will take supply chains from “now” to “next.”
In cooperation with the IBM Institute for Business Value, Oxford Economics surveyed 1,500 CSCOs and COOs from 35+ countries and 24 industries as part of the 26th edition of IBM’s C-suite Series. All respondents identified themselves as the most senior executive responsible for supply chain operations. To simplify, we refer to the full population as CSCOs.
The project’s purpose was to implement an in-depth analysis on how the 1,500 respondents characterise their investments in supply chain automation. What are their focused priorities and anticipated outcomes? Representing 20% of the respondents, one data-driven, transformative group of CSCOs emerged: the Innovators. These leaders adopt a data-driven approach that emphasises four tech-enabled areas:
- The scaling of a hybrid cloud infrastructure
- AI-enabled workflows
- Transparent, customer-focused sustainability
- Deep focus on cybersecurity
About the team
Our Thought Leadership team produces original, evidence-based research made accessible to decision-makers and opinion leaders. Principals for this project included:
Tom Ehrbar
Senior Editor, Thought Leadership
