Diverse Supply Research Articles

The Eastern Mediterranean Pipeline (EastMed) as an Element of Supply Diversification

The article analyses the emergence of a new sub-region within the Wider Mediterranean, called the Eastern Mediterranean. The author emphasises that the key condition for the allocation of a separated sub-region was the discovery of significant gas resources on the regional sea shelf, which led to the intensification of long-standing disputes between local powers, further regional militarisation, making of new groups and alliances. In this regard, the article examines the processes of diversification of energy resources and the project of the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline (EastMed). The main purpose is to consider the prospects and difficulties that arose during the EastMed development. The objective of the study includes exploring the positions of the core regional states (Greece, Republic of Cyprus, Italy, Turkey, Israel) and the global powers (the EU, the USA, Russia). A systematic approach and situational analysis were applied to achieve the set objectives. The article reveals that in the current geopolitical conditions the EastMed project has acquired strategic importance for the EU, its member states and partners. For the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Israel the implementation of EastMed will strengthen their own energy security, existing and new interregional ties, and increase their role in the EU’s common energy policy. Turkey is the main opponent, which will do everything to prevent EastMed from taking place. The United States, which was initially interested in the project, due to environmental and financial reasons, stopped supporting it after Joe Biden came to power.

The Contribution of Biomass Energy on Urban Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper examines the biomass energy issue, particularly its potential and problems in urban sustainability development. With the increase in demand for energy worldwide and sources of traditional fossil fuels gradually dwindling, biomass and other new and sustainable sources become more critical. A qualitative approach is taken to develop the framework, considering literature reviews and content analysis as the techniques employed. The results highlight the potential of biomass in meeting energy demands at the global scale but simultaneously stress the need for would-be expertise management to leverage the potential. The advantages of biomass energy include but are not limited to the enhancement of economic development, environmental upgrading, and boosting energy security by decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels. Land allocation disputes and negative energy balance issues complicate the situation, but recent technologies have eliminated such helpless considerations. The policy and planning implications show that such biomass energy potential cannot be fully exploited without government policy support, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation. This research tries to show above all that, despite the limitations, biomass energy provides significant benefits for city sustainability through the diversification of energy supply, intending to achieve goals compatible with global sustainable development. Areas for future research are provided, leaning toward more quantitative and empirical research to solve problems and verify theories. In fact, cities need to use biomass energy with ecological and equitable perspectives in mind.

Improving supplier diversity and inclusion in supply chains

Improving supplier diversity and inclusion in supply chains

Global trade dynamics' impact on food pricing and supply chain resilience: A quantitative model

This study explores the influence of global trade dynamics on food pricing and supply chain resilience, focusing on the development of a quantitative model that examines the relationships between trade policies, economic indicators, and trade volumes. As fluctuations in trade policies—such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies—directly impact food prices and market stability, this model provides a structured framework for assessing these variables’ interdependencies. By integrating data on trade flows, currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, the model quantifies the effects of protective and liberalized trade measures on both local and international food markets. This approach allows for identifying trends in pricing volatility linked to policy shifts, thereby offering insights into areas vulnerable to trade disruptions and external economic shocks. The resilience of the food supply chain is measured by evaluating metrics such as delivery times, supplier diversity, and inventory levels across regions affected by trade policy changes. The findings emphasize that trade barriers can result in price spikes, delays, and supply shortages, while open trade policies generally support market flexibility and pricing stability. Additionally, the model incorporates economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, and unemployment rates, which correlate with food demand and purchasing power, thereby further influencing price and supply chain stability. Future research could leverage this model to develop adaptive strategies that strengthen supply chain resilience under various global trade conditions. Suggested adaptations include diversifying suppliers, increasing inventory buffers, and enhancing predictive analytics for better demand forecasting. By integrating these adaptive measures, stakeholders can mitigate adverse effects on food accessibility and affordability in both developed and emerging economies. This research contributes to the literature on food security, highlighting the need for resilient trade policies and supply chain strategies in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Research on Changes in International Energy Trade Pattern under the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on world energy markets has received great attention. Some researchers have found that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused an energy crisis to a certain extent. However, there is a lack of overview of the changes in the trade pattern and the scope of its impact. Therefore, through a comprehensive analysis of changes in policies and economic data, this study analyzes the different response measures taken by countries in different regions such as Europe and Asia to deal with the reduction in Russia's exports of major energy products and the fluctuations in international energy prices. This study also analyzes how the mutual sanctions between Russia and Western countries have contributed to the shift of Russia's energy export focus to the Asia-Pacific region and the diversification of Western countries' energy supply. Research results show that energy trade is at risk of being affected by geopolitical factors such as regional conflicts and mutual sanctions. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has strengthened the attention of countries on energy security issues. The research also highlights the implications for future policies and actions, providing an understanding of emerging trends in the future. Economically, this study, based on past data, emphasizes the inevitability of the Russia-Ukraine conflict affecting energy fluctuations and affirms that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is conducive to global new energy transformation and sustainable development in the long term.

Disturbance in Multitier Supply Chain Under Competition

Disturbances in production along with volatile demand have raised concerns over shortfalls in the global supply chain and prompted the need to build a more diversified supply chain with competitive suppliers. This research investigates the impact of disturbances on a two-tier supply chain network with asymmetric competing firms. We establish the equilibrium in a unique structure that represents the maximum set of profitable upstream supply paths achievable through competition and exhibits stability under specific conditions. We evaluate the efficiency of the supply chain configuration by a shortfall problem and solve it with an adapted pseudoflow algorithm that efficiently identifies the mismatches between shortfalls and capacity surpluses in the multitier network. The parametric analysis reveals that the disturbance loss can be significantly offset by supplier competition, although the marginal benefit of competition decreases rapidly with the number of suppliers. Furthermore, shortfalls could be magnified by network asymmetries that increase configuration inefficiency, and supply chain performance could be improved by pushing high-cost firms to cease production. Simulation results indicate that the supply chain with a moderate level of competition and a balanced configuration can be robust against disturbance and demand volatility.

Sustainable Water Management Solutions for Urban Areas

The management of water resources is a serious concern in urban areas because of the effects of climate change, aging infrastructure, and rapid population increase. This essay examines the vital significance of sustainable water management in urban settings, emphasizing cutting-edge frameworks for policy and technology that can improve water resilience and efficiency. Successful strategies, such as demand management and diversification of the water supply, are demonstrated by case studies like Windhoek, Namibia. In order to solve the intricate and interrelated problems of urban water scarcity, infrastructure constraints, and environmental repercussions, the essay emphasizes integrated water resources management (IWRM) as a crucial technique that incorporates multidisciplinary viewpoints. In order to guarantee a sustainable urban water future, the importance of inclusive policies and governance is also covered, highlighting the necessity of cooperative and flexible problemsolving techniques.

Tracing the propagation of disruptions in supply chain scenarios: A case study of photovoltaics diversification

Diversifying supply chains through reshoring and friendshoring is increasingly proposed as a key strategy for supply security and resilience. Quantitative analyses characterizing to what extend diversification shield countries from supply disruptions remain however scarce. In this paper, we present a methodology to assess the supply risk exposure of countries in different supply diversification scenarios – business-as-usual, reshoring, friendshoring. For each scenario, the propagation of three types of upstream disruptions – supply shortage, export restriction, bilateral trade conflict – is simulated. A fragility ratio metric is introduced to quantify the potential downstream shortages caused by these disruptions. A novel friendshoring modelling approach is also proposed. It consists in determining risk-optimized trade relations based on criteria such as supply concentration and UN voting similarity.The Python-based model is tested on the case of diversified photovoltaics supply chains, e.g., if the US, EU, and India increase domestic production from polysilicon to module. Beyond building up manufacturing capacities, choosing between vertical integration and trade is highly determinant in risk exposure. Each diversification scenario shows pros and cons depending on the country and process considered.Overall, this paper underlines the need for supply risk research to nuance diversification recommendations. It would be particularly helpful to improve indicators accounting for a region's technical and economic ability to supply a given product, and to realistically model the challenges of reshoring.

Financing diversified water strategies for megacities: the case of Mexico City and rainwater harvesting

Abstract Megacities are increasingly confronted with water supply challenges, requiring innovative and diversified management strategies to ensure sustainability. This study examines Mexico City’s Cosecha de Lluvia program, a government initiative promoting residential rainwater harvesting (RWH). This case study offers valuable lessons for other megacities facing similar water security issues. The study particularly explores result-based financing (RBF) as a promising strategy to strengthen Mexico City’s RWH sector. Despite its potential, research on RBF for water supply diversification remains limited, especially from the perspective of practitioners. To address this gap, the study employs a systems thinking approach supported by qualitative methods, including a literature review and interviews. Thematic networks analysis revealed that RBF could enhance Cosecha de Lluvia by improving monitoring and results measurement, facilitating information exchange, and increasing transparency—key factors for successful water supply diversification. While these identified benefits do not address all of Cosecha de Lluvia’s challenges and RBF could have implementation challenges, there is a clear opportunity for this financial mechanism to enhance programs like the one studied and have a positive impact on several of its elements. As part of the RBF suitability assessment, three different funding sources were evaluated—public, private, and philanthropic—to determine their effectiveness in overcoming Cosecha de Lluvia’s challenges. The findings suggest that no single source of finance markedly influences the program’s effectiveness alone. Instead, a blended financing approach that integrates all three sources is recommended as a strategy to explore further for implementing RBF in water supply diversification efforts. Overall, the study highlights the necessity of diversifying water supply to build climate resilience in megacities. While programs like Cosecha de Lluvia are crucial, significant room for improvement exists. RBF offers a promising mechanism to enhance such initiatives, and its potential merits further exploration.

Enhancing work safety behavior through supply chain safety management in small and medium sized manufacturing suppliers.

Enhancing work safety behaviors among Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Suppliers (SMMs) is crucial for establishing a more secure and efficient supply chain. Since the foundation of safety lies in positive prevention, it is crucial that SMMs adopt proactive and pro-social work safety behaviors that transcend mere compliance with standard regulations. Present-day diversified supply chain safety management apply varying degrees of pressures on SMMs. The effectiveness of such pressures, as well as their potential to spawn advanced safety behaviors in SMMs, is a matter of investigation. This research investigates the impact of Supply Chain Safety Management Pressure(SCSMP) on the SMMs' Work Safety Behaviors(WSB). A theoretical framework is constructed, grounded in institutional theory and theory of planned behavior, which earmarks three distinct dimensions of SCSMP: Coercive Pressure(CP), Mimetic Pressure(MP), and Normative Pressure(NP). The survey of 265 SMMs facilitated an assessment of the SMMs' Willingness for Responses(WR), which includes their Willingness for Adaptive Responses(WAR) and Willingness for Co-creative Responses(WCR). Subsequently, the resulting WSB entail Safety Compliance Behavior(SCB), Proactive Safety Behavior(PSB), and Pro-social Safety Behavior(PsSB). Among these, SCB is categorized as a basic safety behavior, while PSB and PsSB which emphasize voluntary, active, and cooperative actions, are classified as advanced safety behaviors. Our research findings underscore the substantial influence of the SCSMP in shaping WSB. WR serves as a critical intermediary, connecting external pressures with internal organizational practices. In particular, WCR is instrumental in the formation of advanced safety behavior. The theoretical contribution of this research is manifested in its enhancement of our comprehension regarding the determinants of WSB among SMMs. Furthermore, it addresses the literature gap in elucidating the effectiveness of supply chain safety management and the mechanisms behind the formation of WSB. The practical significance lies in elevating the overall safety standards throughout the supply chain and minimizing safety-related hazards among SMMs.

Green ammonia imports could supplement long-duration energy storage in the UK

Abstract There is growing recognition of the need for long-duration energy storage to cope with low frequency (i.e. seasonal to multi-annual) variability in renewable energy supplies. Recent analysis for the UK has estimated that 60–100 TWh of hydrogen storage could be required to provide zero-carbon backup for renewable energy supplies in 2050. However, the analysis did not consider the potential role of green energy imports as a supplement to domestic energy storage. Using a global spatially-explicit model of green hydrogen/ammonia production and shipping we estimate the lowest import costs for green ammonia to the UK, and compare them with the levelized costs of energy storage across scenarios of varying domestic renewable energy production. The results indicate that imported green ammonia could offer a cost-comparable alternative to domestic hydrogen production, storage and power generation, whilst increasing energy system resilience through supply diversification, at a similar or cheaper delivered energy cost compared to a hydrogen-only storage system. In countries lacking the geological potential for low-cost hydrogen storage, green ammonia imports could have an even more significant role.

Representative bureaucracy and local government contracting: Examining supplier diversity programs

Representative bureaucracy and local government contracting: Examining supplier diversity programs

The impact of digital infrastructure on the geographical supply chain layout of firms —— Evidence from Chinese microdata

This study investigates how the development of digital infrastructure in China affects the geographical layout of supply chains of listed companies. This work finds that (1) The development of digital infrastructure has led to firms prefer suppliers or customers nearby, rather than looking for distant supply chain partners. (2) The development of digital infrastructure can reduce the costs of the firms, and improve their productivity. However, firms with cost reduction and productivity improvement will not expand the geographical scope of their supply chains. From the perspective of the concentration of supply chains, firms reduce their dependence on the top five customers and suppliers, indicating that with the support of digital technology, firms are willing to seek new partners to achieve closer and more diversified supply chains. (3) Heterogeneous analysis shows that firms with longer operational time, located in developed regions and eastern regions, or in primary and secondary sectors will choose a closer supply chain partner under the influence of digital infrastructure. (4) Extended analysis shows that digital infrastructure in neighboring cities will weaken the preferences of firms in those regions to find supply chain partners nearby.

From checking the box to driving impact – Perspectives on how to develop a supplier diversity program that is less narrowly scoped and more wholeheartedly adopted

Supplier diversity programs are a concrete way for companies to act out Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments and strategies. Literature however suggests that commitment to supplier diversity programs from buyers, suppliers and stakeholders in the business can be less than wholehearted. The scoping of supplier diversity programs can also be narrow and somewhat binary, only partially reflecting the multi-faceted nature of diversity. This paper contributes to this special issue a study of three supplier diversity programs and shares perspectives of supplier diversity leaders in the case companies studied. We find opportunities for companies to move from a focus on D&I compliance, towards a focus on competitive advantage and ESG impact. We suggest approaches for scoping and designing supplier diversity programs that more closely mirror the complexity of diversity and suggest expanded buying criteria. Finally, we contribute future research pathways and managerial suggestions.

Selection of Small and Diverse Suppliers and Contractual Performance: Do Set-Asides Pay Off?

Selection of Small and Diverse Suppliers and Contractual Performance: Do Set-Asides Pay Off?

A system dynamics modelling assessment of water-energy-food resource demand futures at the city scale: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

Understanding future demands of water, energy, and food (WEF) resources is essential to achieve sustainable management of these resources. Based on a survey of 90 households, this study provides an analysis of household water, energy, and food security for the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, where there is a lack of any such assessment. Water supply is largely unimproved. Electricity supply is fairly reliable in some parts of the city, but not others. Most residents rely on charcoal burning for food preparation. Dietary Diversity Scores are low indicating stable, but low food security. Data collected were used to develop an integrated WEF system dynamics model that was applied to simulate household-level resource demand. To assess future resources demand, four scenarios developed by the Global Scenario Group were simulated. Findings reveal that the 'Great Transition' scenario exerts lower impact on resources demand, representing the most likely trajectory to achieve sustainable socio-economic development and management. However, achieving the conditions required for a ‘Great Transition’ could be challenging in Goma, which is characterised by low incomes, poor access to resources, and the threat of armed conflict. To achieve greater efficiency in resources utilisation and to prepare for the future, a number of recommendations are made, including energy supply diversification, altered agricultural practices to diversify diets, and expansion and improvement of water supply infrastructure. This work provides a basis for similar assessments in DRC and central Africa, highlighting the need for integrated resources management and assessment for regional opportunities toward sustainable development.

Intersecting Assets

This article investigates how strategic community partnerships form the bedrock of successful institutional community engagement activities. In this investigation, these engagements encourage institutional practitioners to consider how truly effective community economic development materializes when the university assumes a reactionary role by tailoring activity to respond to outcomes community defines for itself. Using the formation and development of York Unviersity’s successful social procurement program as test case, the article explores how key community partnerships have led to successful program outcomes – which, to date, have amounted to over $8million spent on diverse suppliers and 63 apprenticeship opportunities created. To demonstrate this evidence, the article considers how to identify and align with community champions to create tangible outcomes as well as how those defined outcomes are translated into creating activities that are aligned with what the institution can reasonably deliver to achieve the community’s stated outcomes. In this article, this will be considered as it explores York’s Social Procurement Vendor Portal and how its formation and refinement was directly attributed to community need. Finally, the investigation considers the interplay between how institutions can design impactful reporting that responds to community need.

REPowerEU as a Crisis Response: Immediate Diversification and Green Transition

The EU has been facing an energy crisis on behalf of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. To substitute Russian fossil fuels, the EU has built its response on the European Green Deal (EGD), the REPowerEU plan. The plan has three main pillars: diversification of energy supplies, green energy investments, and promoting energy saving. The article focuses on the performance of the REPowerEU Plan by analyzing it both internally and externally. The article provides a background for how the REPowerEU Plan is built upon the EGD by examining the links between these two strategies. Then, the article focuses on these three pillars. First, the article provides an insight into the diversification policy by referencing LNG and pipeline agreements and critical raw material agreements for renewables. Second, the article provides an overview of the EU’s green energy investments since the initiation of the REPowerEU Plan. Third, energy saving is analyzed through the internal practices of the EU. The article emphasizes that the REPowerEU plan entails a combination of short-term and long-term measures in the energy crisis response. Though the plan has contributed to the EGD’s overarching goals in a broader context, its primary focus seems to secure the EU’s energy demand. In this sense, the article draws a conclusion that underlines the imbalance between the green transition and the immediate needs.

Novel approaches to enable equitable access to monoclonal antibodies in low- and middle-income countries.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are revolutionizing management of non-communicable diseases in high-income countries and are increasingly being advanced for a range of infectious diseases (IDs). However, access to existing mAbs is limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and investment in developing fit-for-purpose mAbs for IDs that disproportionately affect LMICs has been limited. Underlying these access barriers are systemic challenges, including a lack of commercial incentives to target LMIC markets and complexity in manufacturing and regulatory processes. Novel strategies are needed to overcome systemic access barriers for mAbs. We outline key areas where new approaches could address these barriers, based on a multistakeholder consultation in March 2023. Three disease-market archetypes are identified to guide thinking about business models tailored to different contexts. New business models are needed to incentivize development and manufacturing of ID mAbs and to ensure mAbs are optimized with a target product profile and cost of goods that enable use in diverse LMIC settings. Lessons can be applied from voluntary licensing strategies and product development partnerships that have shown success in catalysing development and affordable supply for a range of infectious diseases. Technology transfer will be key to expand LMIC research and manufacturing capacity and to enable sustainable and diversified supply. Improved market intelligence, demand aggregation mechanisms, and portfolio-based manufacturing models could be used to de-risk commercial investment and establish a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem for affordable mAbs. Novel regulatory approaches and robust technology transfer may reduce data requirements and timelines for biosimilar approvals. Trailblazer products, with coordinated "end-to-end" support from funders, can demonstrate proof of concept for pathways to accessible mAbs across a broader range of LMICs. Research funders; local, regional, global health agencies; and, private sector partners should commit to implementing innovative partnerships and end-to-end strategies that enable equitable access to mAbs for infectious diseases in LMICs.

Estimating The Effects Of COVID-19 On Globalized Markets For Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.

Global supply chains for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are highly centralized in certain countries and are susceptible to supply-chain shocks. However, there is no systematic monitoring or global coordination to manage risk and ensure equitable supply continuity during public health emergencies. In this study, we applied quasi-experimental methods on shipment-level customs data to determine how prices and export volume for APIs exported from India were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that API prices for key essential medicines not used for COVID-19 did not change significantly in the year after the World Health Organization pandemic declaration, but volume decreased by 80percent. Prices for medicines speculatively repurposed for COVID-19, such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, increased by as much as 250percent compared with prices for nonrepurposed medicines, but only ivermectin saw a decrease in volume. Systematic monitoring of API markets, investments to promote supply diversification, and legal and political reforms to disincentivize price speculation could support supply-chain resilience and safeguard access to medicines.