First centre dedicated to sustainable and resilient supply chains

CSORSC is the first research centre in Australia dedicated to sustainable operations and resilient supply chains focused on accelerating the transformation of Australia’s supply chains to be more robust and adaptable, allowing a thriving future.

The new centre is led by Professor Kannan Govindan and Associate Professor Devika Kannan, supported by the University’s Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources (ISER) whilst being anchored in the Adelaide Business School under the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics.

“CSORSC will provide the know-how for industries and governments to transition to better and greener manufacturing and supply chains which will be more dependable while supporting our net-zero emissions ambitions and the goal of a truly circular economy,” Professor Govindan says.

Supply chain resilience is a business’s ability to respond to operational disruptions while maintaining seamless product distribution. Studies suggest disruptions to supply chains are estimated to cost US $1.6 trillion globally in revenue growth opportunity on average each year.

The centre’s work draws upon engineering, management, and computer science expertise to develop end-to-end value chain solutions that minimise environmental impact and maximise competitiveness.

“CSORSC will demonstrate the potential for big data and the digitisation of systems where real-time information will be used to smooth out the bumps of supply, demand, and transportation,” Professor Govindan says.

“CSORSC will provide the know-how for industries and governments to transition to better and greener manufacturing and supply chains which will be more dependable while supporting our net-zero emissions ambitions and the goal of a truly circular economy.”Professor Kannan Govindan, Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chains Director, the University of Adelaide

The use of product traceability along the supply chain will provide an opportunity for Australian companies to prove to consumers that green methods and fair practices have been adhered to at each stage.

The centre aims to extend capabilities into higher-value goods and services, to support, build and expand activities in key industries like tourism, mining, agriculture, food and wine, as well as across renewable energy, defence, space, and pharmaceuticals and medical products.

A study by the National Transport Commission found that improved access for heavy vehicles alone can deliver $7 billion in benefits through efficiencies.

“The centre will build on this kind of productivity, addressing the challenges faced by policymakers and businesses relating to the sustainable transition into modernised supply chains,” Associate Professor Kannan says.

“The coordination of new industries and the supply of their products to markets requires the kind of multidisciplinary modelling and analysis that CSORSC will provide."

CSORSC undertakes industry-focused applied research and consultancy focusing on regulatory, training, technology or knowledge gaps. It partners with government, industry, organisations, and communities at state, national, and international level.

The centre will train graduate students, educate and upskill workers, and foster the careers of researchers who will push the possibilities for supply chain optimisation further.

Professor Govindan and Associate Professor Kannan are world-renowned experts who have had a transformational impact on supply chains across industries globally. 

Associate Professor Kannan says the need for strong capability in certain critical areas of our economy is increasingly recognised.

“Operations, procurement, and supply chains are crucial to our prosperity and wellbeing,” Associate Professor Kannan says.

“The impacts of sudden or unforeseen events such as pandemics, extreme weather, armed conflicts, and economic crises reveal just how fragile our systems can be.”

CSORSC is located on the University’s North Terrace campus.