This book provides readers an in-depth understanding of the inner mechanisms and principles of the global supply chain. Authored by the Head of Supply Chain and Transport Industries at the World Economic Forum, it draws on a wealth of operational and managerial expertise in the global supply chain industry that drive the world¿s economies. The book analyzes the importance and impact of globally networked sourcing, production and distribution, and presents detailed information on the opportunities, limitations and challenges of linear value and supply chain systems. Building on a series of recent industry cases and with a focus on the latest developments in actual business processes and models, it reveals how the transformation toward circular supply chains and regenerative resource management forms the basis for success and sustainability in business.

¿The book brings together technical, social, political, and geographical trends, suggesting how supply chain management can lead the quest for many of the world¿s most pressing challenges.¿

Yossi Sheffi, Professor of Engineering, MIT, Head, MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics

¿This book provides an essential roadmap, guiding the reader easily through complex developments and concepts.¿

John Manners-Bell, CEO Transport Intelligence and Honorary Visiting Professor, Guildhall Business School, London

¿With strategic foresight, Lehmacher develops a vision of a circular economy within which consumer, manufacturer and logistics companies assume collective responsibility for sustainable value creation.¿

Alfred Talke, Group Managing Director ALFRED TALKE Logistic Services

¿Those who are active in logistics and supply chain management, in practice or academia, will discover a fresh view on the whole field of activity beyond the day-to-day-business.¿

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wimmer, Chairman of the Executive Board, BVL International

Wolfgang Lehmacher is Head of Supply Chain and Transport Industries at the World Economy Forum. Lehmacher holds a degree in Business Administration from the German Foreign Trade & Logistics Academy (DAV). While working in various renowned companies based in the express, post and logistics sector across Europe and the world over the past 25 years, he has acquired a reputation as expert in global supply chain and logistics.

Prior to joining the Forum, Lehmacher was Partner and Managing Director for China and India at CVA, a global strategy firm leading the global transportation and logistics practice. He also held a range of senior management positions; Lehmacher was President and CEO of GeoPost Intercontinental, the global expansion vehicle of France's La Poste. For more than 10 years, Lehmacher led the international expansion of La Poste Groupe, first in Europe, then across the globe.

Lehmacher is the author of various publications including "How Logistics Shapes Our Lives", "Logistics in the Light of Urbanization" and "Is Our Supply at Stake". With his expertise in supply chain management, global logistics and the express parcel delivery business, Lehmacher is a frequent speaker at events such as the World Economic Forum, the Boao Forum in China, and leading supply chain conferences in the world as well as the Centre of Transportation and Logistics at MIT. 

Introduction.- Trade and the Global Supply Chain.- Global Supply Chain: Golden Gate or Sword of Damocles?.- Global Dynamics and Key Trends.- Circular Economy and Society.- Shaping the Future of Supply Chains.