NEX-GEM (‘Next Generation Manufacturing Supply Chains and Digital Economy Research Collaboration’) is a project which aims is to create a collaborating environment for academics and industrial partners from diverse but complementary backgrounds to share and exchange the latest and emerging developments in concepts, methodologies and tools to support “Next generation supply chains”. It is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and involves several academic and industrial partners, mainly based in the UK and India. The UK-based academic partners include Cardiff University, the University of Nottingham, Brunel University, the University of Loughborough and the University of Hull. Industrial partners include Rolls-Royce and Corus Steel.

Edward Sweeney of NITL participated in the most recent project workshop. This event, which was attended by about 50 academics and practitioners, aimed to identify the impact of the changing economic environment on national and international supply chain configurations and strategies. In addition, it provided an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of issues related to next generation supply chains and potential measures for better addressing these issues. The workshop was facilitated by Professors Chandra Lalwani (University of Hull Logistics Institute) and Kul Pawar (Nottingham University Business School) and was conducted using the ‘Meta-Plan’ method based on groups addressing specific questions and the clustering of issues that emerged.

For further information about NEX-GEM visit http://www.nex-gem.ac.uk/.