Global Supply Chain Observatory
Introduction
The Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) is a cutting-edge initiative within the Industrial Resilience Research Group at the University of Cambridge's Institute for Manufacturing (IfM). Leveraging Open Data and advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing technologies, to monitor each stage of the end- to-end supply chain and the evolution of the external environment to rapidly assess situations during disruptions.
Why Now
Recent global events have highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains to disruptions. The increasing frequency of these disturbances, often driven by geopolitical tensions, necessitates a proactive approach to risk management. Concurrently, tightening sustainability regulations are pressuring organizations to achieve and maintain compliance or face severe consequences.
GSCO addresses these challenges by:
- Predicting events or traces of events that could lead to system failures or disruptions
- Minimizing the impact on costs, operations, and overall business continuity
- Supporting economic stability through anticipatory risk mitigation
- Assisting businesses in achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance
Vision
To transform global supply chains into intelligent, self-optimizing networks that drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and create enduring value for businesses and society.
Mission
To elevate global supply chain visibility from 20% to 100%, empowering businesses with data-driven insights that optimize operations, ethical practices, mitigate risks, and enhance sustainability. Through advanced analytics and expert consulting, we deliver actionable intelligence that drives competitive advantage in an increasingly complex global marketplace for both companies and public institutions, governments, and policymakers.
Key Capabilities
Comprehensive Supply Chain Mapping, Utilizing Open Data, big data analytics, Gen AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), GSCO meticulously maps global supply chains, including:
- Critical minerals (e.g., cobalt, lithium, graphite)
- Production volumes
- Processing locations
- Trade flows
- Climate change impacts
- Geopolitical events
- Digital auditing
This holistic approach provides an unparalleled view of supply chain dynamics, monitoring over 4,000 data points for end-to-end visibility and transparency.
Advanced Risk Analysis and Stress Testing
GSCO conducts rigorous stress tests to evaluate supply chain resilience against various global risks:
- Geopolitical instability
- Economic disruptions
- Extreme weather events
Our proactive approach identifies vulnerabilities and develops strategies to mitigate potential disruptions, ensuring continuity and stability through transparency and visibility.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Leveraging satellite data and advanced remote sensing technologies, we assess:
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
- Biodiversity loss
- Deforestation impacts
These insights curate unique actionable insights on specific environmental footprints on the factory, supply chain, and systems level.
Regulatory Compliance and Policy Support
GSCO enhances transparency across supply chains, facilitating:
- Regulatory compliance (e.g., Scope 3 emissions, EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Environmental, social, and governance (ESG))
- Informed decision-making for governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders
- Real-time updates on changing regulations
- Identification of potential compliance gaps
- Implementation of sustainable practices
- Generation of compliance reports for regulatory bodies
Promote Ethical Practices
By offering detailed insights into the origins and practices of suppliers, the observatory helps ensure that all parties adhere to ethical standards. This includes tracking labor conditions, fair wages, and human rights practices throughout the supply chain.
Focus Industries
- Critical Minerals
- EV Battery Manufacturing
- PV Manufacturing
- Food Systems
- Semiconductor Manufacturing (under consideration)
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry
Team
- Dr Mukesh Kumar: GSCO Director
- Garry Clawson: GSCO Lead
- Wei Nie: GSCO Lead Researcher in Supply Chain Visibility and Big Data
- Mariel Alem Fonseca: GSCO Lead Researcher in Supply Chain Resilience
- Deepesh Jayasekara: Lead Enterprise Collaboration, Industrial Fellow, GSCO Lead Researcher in Cloud Manufacturing and Supply Chain
- Rana Hajirasouli: Industrial Fellow
- Thorge Schaum: GSCO Researcher, Industrial Associate
Partners
- Google Cloud (Technology Partner)
- The Surpluss (Industrial Partner)
Read more
https://www.infosys.com/iki/videos/industrial-resilience-impact.html
