Supply chain risk management grows in importance amid global volatility

The role of the Supply Chain Risk Manager is becoming increasingly vital as global logistics networks grow more complex and vulnerable to external shocks. These professionals are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities across the entire supply chain—from suppliers to end customers—and designing prevention plans to mitigate risks such as geopolitical tensions, climate disruptions, and maritime route instability.

Research conducted by Nicolas Jouve at Cerema suggests that in times of crisis, coordination between actors often takes precedence over mathematical optimization. While formal Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) tools exist to identify and treat risks, their structured application remains relatively underdeveloped in many logistics departments. Instead, many actors rely on non-contractual conventions and deliberation to adapt to exogenous shocks like pandemics, political shifts, or environmental disasters.