On Day One of the 9th Biennial Supply Chain Management Conference 2025, hosted by the Supply Chain Management Centre at IIM Bangalore, industry leaders and researchers gathered to discuss the theme ‘Geopolitics, Sustainability, and Generative AI’. Inaugurated by Prof Rajeev R Tripathi, the event highlighted the need for digital tools to bridge gaps in Indian supply chain practices. Experts emphasized managing uncertainty through AI applications in supply chains. Keynote speaker Ajay Nair discussed the evolution of supply chains as strategic priorities, advocating for sustainability as a core imperative. The day featured discussions on AI and human collaboration.
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
With insights into how supply chain innovations could benefit public (India) systems. The conference aimed to connect academic research with industry practices and influence future supply chain developments globally The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore’s Supply Chain Management Centre has opened its 9th Biennial Supply Chain Conference, reaffirming its role as a leading platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the field of supply chain and operations management. Hosted by SCMC at IIM Bangalore, the conference brings together senior industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, startups, and students to examine.
The evolving dynamics of global and Indian supply chains at a time of unprecedented transformation. As supply chains face pressures from digital disruption, sustainability mandates, geopolitical shifts, and changing consumer expectations, the conference aims to bridge theory and practice through informed discussion and real-world The Supply Chain Management Centre at IIM Bangalore has long been recognized as a hub for applied research and executive education in operations, logistics, and procurement. By organizing the biennial conference, SCMC continues its tradition of fostering meaningful engagement between academia and industry, ensuring.
Technology Led Transformation
That research remains grounded in practical relevance while industry strategies benefit from rigorous analytical thinking. The ninth edition of the conference builds on this legacy by focusing on resilience, agility, and technology-led transformation, themes that have become central to supply chain leadership globally A key focus of the conference is the growing complexity of modern supply chains and the need for integrated decision-making across sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and customer service. Speakers emphasize that supply chains are no longer back-end support functions but strategic assets that influence competitiveness, profitability, and brand.
Reputation Discussions highlight how Indian companies are redesigning their supply networks to reduce dependency risks, improve visibility, and respond faster to market changes. This aligns with broader trends discussed across India’s business landscape Digital technologies form another central theme of the 9th Biennial Supply Chain Conference, with sessions examining the adoption of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, blockchain, and Internet of Things solutions. Industry experts share case studies on how data-driven forecasting, real-time tracking, and automation are enabling organizations to improve efficiency and reduce uncertainty.
Chains Sustainability And Responsible
Academic presenters complement these insights by showcasing research on optimization models, digital twins, and decision-support systems that can enhance operational performance. The convergence of technology and operations is positioned not as an optional upgrade but as a foundational requirement for future-ready supply chains Sustainability and responsible supply chain management receive significant attention during the conference, reflecting the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance considerations. Panel discussions companies are embedding sustainability into procurement decisions, logistics planning, and supplier.
Relationships while balancing cost and service levels. Speakers note that regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and consumer awareness are pushing organizations to measure and reduce their carbon footprints across the value chain. These conversations resonate strongly with India’s broader sustainability agenda and align with insights from industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industry The conference also examines the role of supply chains in supporting India’s manufacturing and economic growth ambitions. With initiatives aimed at boosting domestic production and exports, supply chain efficiency has become a critical enabler of competitiveness.
Pharmaceuticals, Automotive, And Consumer
Sessions highlight how infrastructure development, policy reforms, and public–private collaboration can strengthen logistics networks and reduce transaction costs. Participants discuss opportunities for India to position itself as a resilient and reliable node in global supply networks, particularly in sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and consumer goods An important dimension of the event is its emphasis on talent development and capability building in supply chain management. Faculty members from IIM Bangalore underscore the need for interdisciplinary skills that combine quantitative analysis, strategic thinking, and leadership.
Industry leaders echo this sentiment, noting a growing demand for professionals who can navigate uncertainty, manage cross-functional teams, and leverage digital tools effectively. The conference serves as a valuable platform for students and early-career professionals to engage (India) with practitioners, gain exposure to real-world challenges, and understand evolving career pathways in supply chain and operations management The presence of technology firms, startups, and industry associations further enriches the dialogue at the conference. Participants discuss how collaboration between large enterprises and agile startups is driving innovation in areas such as last-mile delivery.
Biennial Supply Chain Conference
Warehouse automation, and predictive analytics. The role of industry bodies like NASSCOM in fostering digital innovation and ecosystem development is also highlighted These interactions underscore the importance of ecosystem thinking in addressing complex supply chain challenges that no single organization can solve alone The 9th Biennial Supply Chain Conference at IIM Bangalore also reinforces the institute’s broader commitment to thought leadership and policy-relevant research. By convening diverse stakeholders, the conference facilitates knowledge exchange that can inform business strategy, academic inquiry, and public policy.
The discussions reflect a shared understanding that resilient and sustainable supply chains are essential not only for organizational success but also for economic stability and societal well-being As the conference progresses, it continues to generate insights that are expected to influence both practice and research in the coming years. The blend of empirical research, practitioner experience, and forward-looking perspectives ensures that the conversations extend beyond the event itself, shaping how organizations think about supply chain design, risk management, and innovation. With its ninth edition, SCMC at IIM Bangalore once again demonstrates.
Q1. What is the SCMC Biennial Supply Chain Conference?
It is a flagship event by IIM Bangalore’s Supply Chain Management Centre focusing on supply chain strategy, research, and practice.
Q2. Who participates in the conference?
Industry leaders, academicians, policymakers, students, and technology experts from India and abroad.
Q3. What are the main themes of the 9th edition?
Resilience, digital transformation, sustainability, and supply chain innovation.
Q4. Why is this conference important for industry?
It connects cutting-edge academic research with real-world supply chain challenges and solutions.
Q5. How does it benefit students and professionals?
It offers learning, networking, and exposure to emerging trends and career opportunities in supply chain management.
