Leveraging supply chains to create competitive advantage for the Midlands region: A systematic review

This report is based on research conducted by WMG Supply Chain Research Group (SCRG), University of Warwick as a part of the ‘Supply Chain Analysis’ programme funded by the Midlands Engine. The aim of this project is to provide a holistic view of industrial supply chains in the Midlands region and identify potential interventions for building a clear pathway to increased sustainability, productivity and prosperity. Our findings show that the region faces four critical SC challenges in the current setting: the shortage of resources (i.e. skilled labour, financial investment and infrastructure) in the physical SC network, and the three ensuing issues – visibility, integration and sustainability within the supply chain management (SCM). Without effective solutions, these challenges can significantly impede the region’s SC resilience and, as a result, undermine overall productivity. As a result, a set of practical and political recommendations for improving regional SCs was developed.