Two words characterise the contemporary business environment— complexity and uncertainty. Global firms rely on multi-tiered global supply chains, but faced with wars, tariffs and sudden policy changes, these appear increasingly unstable. In the past, similar periods of rapid change have spurred major developments in technology.
Semiconductor complexity took a giant step forward during the second world war to power American radar systems, while the acceleration of cloud computing helped business navigate the unprecedented office closures of the covid-19 pandemic. Today many executives are betting on artificial intelligence (AI). They see it not only as a tool to anticipate disruption but also to reshape supply chains, making them more resilient and agile.
This report draws on a survey of supply chain executives and expert interviews to explore how companies are using AI tools to build geopolitical resilience. It also highlights key technical hurdles and risks that must be overcome if the technology is to deliver on its promises.
