Led by Michael Lewis

This work package focuses on mitigating risks and strengthening long-term resilience and security of UK supply chains.

Informed by policy insights from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) resilience framework – which focused on diversification, international partnerships, stockpiling, surge capacity, onshoring, and demand management – the initial research objectives will be to deepen understanding in 4 key areas:

1. Visibility: Effective risk management requires real-time visibility into supply chain operations, yet over-reliance on integrated systems introduces vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for balanced, adaptive visibility strategies.
2. Response and Restoration: Rapid, flexible responses to disruptions are essential, but hastily implemented solutions can result in long-term inefficiencies, highlighting the importance of strategic, adaptable recovery plans.
3. Adaptation: Supply chains increasingly focus on regional diversification and sustainable practices to reduce geopolitical and environmental risks, but complete independence is unrealistic and harmful.
4. Governance: Regulatory frameworks and standards are crucial for safeguarding supply, necessitating collaboration between public and private sectors to navigate and reinforce responsible, secure practices.

This initiative seeks to safeguard critical supply chains, ensuring they remain resilient and secure against various threats and challenges.

Read a blog from Professor Lewis on Researching Resilient Supply Chains