From the rise of AI-driven logistics to sustainability challenges, supply chain professionals face unprecedented opportunities and obstacles. To help navigate this evolving landscape, we’ve curated five thought-provoking TED Talks for the supply chain industry that offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions for the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned logistics expert or new to the field, these presentations deliver valuable insights into the future of supply chain management, featuring speakers who are reshaping how we think about everything from last-mile delivery to circular economy principles.
Here are 5 TED Talks for the Supply Chain
1) How to Fix Broken Supply Chains
By Dustin Burke
Supply chain challenges are real, but they’re not new, says global trade expert Dustin Burke. In the face of disruptions ranging from natural disasters to pandemics, how do we make sure supply chains can keep up? Burke offers a combination of solutions — from companies sharing risk to better forecasting disruptions — to help create a more resilient, efficient tomorrow.
2) How Supply Chain Transparency Can Help the Planet
By Markus Mutz
Given the option, few would choose to buy products that harm the earth — yet it’s nearly impossible to know how most consumer goods are made or where they’re sourced from. That’s about to change, says supply chain innovator Markus Mutz. He shares how he used blockchain technology to track Patagonian toothfish on their journey from ocean to dinner plate — and proved it’s possible to offer consumers a product they can trust.
3) Overcoming Fear in Manufacturing
By Katie Armstrong
Manufacturing has used relatively the same methodologies for improvements since the 1940s. There is a huge emphasis on quality in highly regulated industries such as semiconductor and automotive manufacturing. In recent years, these industries have struggled to keep up with the innovation pace that the market demands. These industries are starting to be driven by a fear of failure rather than a passion for creating value for the customer. What would the world look like if we stopped letting fear dictate our decision-making? Katie Armstrong is pursuing a part-time MBA at Bentley University and is the graduate winner of the 2022 BentleyU TEDx speaker competition. She currently works as a supplier quality engineer in the semiconductor industry and has experience working in automotive manufacturing as well. Katie is passionate about technological innovation and the positive benefits of change in manufacturing. When not working or at school, Katie enjoys hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and anything else outdoors. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
4) The Next Wave of Innovation in Freight
By Oren Zaslansky
Throughout the U.S., millions of freight trucks are buzzing goods across state lines, producing massive amounts of greenhouse emissions — and some of them are only half full. Working to make this 400-billion-dollar-a-year supply chain process as efficient and sustainable as possible, freight expert Oren Zaslansky digs into the logistics of filling these trucks to their maximum capacity through algorithmic carpooling (think: ride-sharing your freight) — bringing with it the potential of a more transparent and eco-friendly global supply chain.
5) Why Rivals Are Working Together to Transform Shipping
By Bo Cerup-Simonsen
What would it take to make global supply chains cleaner and greener? Bo Cerup-Simonsen — who’s helping decarbonize the maritime industry as CEO of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping — discusses why tenacious collaboration is key to orchestrating systemic change. In conversation with TED’s Lindsay Levin, he shares important lessons on collective problem-solving and decision-making that could benefit any industry making a green transition.
Each of these TED Talks for the supply chain brings unique insights to the complex world of supply chain management. By incorporating these diverse perspectives – from technological innovation to human psychology – supply chain professionals can build more resilient, sustainable, and efficient operations for the future.
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