Drawing a realistic picture of the supply chains of 2035 with a view to digitalization and AI – that is the aim of a large-scale study by Kühne Logistics University and SAP's supply chain consulting. But how does one forecast the future realistically? The basis for the current study “Supply Chain of the Future” now comprises technological developments and socio-economic trends as well as their expected interplay.
"Many technologies that have been available for a long time are only now reaching the necessary maturity and, especially in combination with other technologies, are unlocking their full significance. An example of a relatively new development is that large amounts of data become available through digital platforms for training AI models," says Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg,
Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Strategy at Kühne Logistics University.
At the same time, according to the researcher, the requirements for supply chains have changed significantly.
Increasing Uncertainty, Increasing Possibilities
"The crises in the world, the uncertainty in planning cause companies to increasingly seek resilience. At the same time, sustainability is becoming more and more a must and the shortage of skilled workers persists." Or in other words: To the increase in uncertainty corresponds also an increase in technological possibilities. For their forecast, the study relates the technological push factors to trend-driven pull factors: "Big Data and Advanced Analytics", "Cloud Computing", "Social Networks", "Autonomous Agents" and "Robotics & Autonomous Systems" stand opposite "Geopolitical Tensions", "Resilience", "Handling of the skilled labor shortage", "Personalization"
and "Sustainability".
The developments in the SCM-relevant areas "Plan", "Source", "Make", "Deliver" and "People" are examined, each handled by different teams. As part of two surveys in the first half of 2025, around 700 supply-chain managers from various industries in Europe and North America provided insights into their expectations for 2035 and the current reality in their companies in 2025. In each case, 25 to 30 dimensions of the topic were surveyed. In addition, there were conversations with various internal SAP experts.
"We have tried to build a field of tension: on one hand the expectations and ideas for 2035, on the other the reality in 2025, in which many things simply do not work yet. What is needed to actually use the
technological possibilities and potentials," says Dr. Florian Diehlmann, supply-chain consultant at SAP and coordinator of the study.
Thus, in many companies, for example, data quality today is not sufficient for high-end applications and there is a lack of integration. Between many SMEs and, in some cases, large enterprises, there is still a gap to the technology leaders.
"In 2035, the supply chain will place a strong focus on high-quality data, advanced analytics, and data-driven decisions," agrees Dr. Jörg Wilke, head of SCM Business Consulting, with his two co-authors.
More on the study “Supply Chain of the Future,” the results of which LOGISTIK HEUTE has exclusive early access to, can be read in the September issue of LOGISTIK HEUTE. It was published on September
