The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu inaugurated its International Conference on Next-Gen Supply Chain: Trends, Innovations, and Best Practices today, in collaboration with Montpellier Business School, France, and Liverpool Business School, UK. Held at the Mandapam Auditorium, IIM Jammu, from November 22–23, 2024, the conference brings together global experts to discuss advancements and best practices in supply chain management. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Conference Chair, presided over the inaugural ceremony, joined online by Prof. Rameshwar Dubey, Conference Co- Chair, Head of Supply Chain Management, Montpellier Business School. The conference began with the lamp lighting ceremony.

Key attendees included Prof. Cyril R.H. Foropon, Montpellier Business School (online); Dr. H. M. Belal, Liverpool John Moores University (online); keynote speaker Prof. Debjit Roy, IIM Ahmedabad; Prof. Surya Prakash Singh, IIT Delhi; Shri Kamal Sharma, Sr. Vice President, SCM, Vodafone Idea Ltd; and IIM Jammu faculty, Dr. Pratik Maheshwari, Program Chair and Dr. Praveen Vijaya Raj Program Chair NGSC 2024.

In his welcome address, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Conference Chair and Director, IIM Jammu, highlighted the institute's rapid growth, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant, safe environment. He emphasized initiatives like the dual-degree B.Tech + MBA program with IIT Jammu and an MBA in Healthcare with IIT Jammu and AIIMS Jammu, showcasing Jammu as the only city hosting three Institutes of National Importance. He underlined the vital role of supply chain management, accounting for 16% of India’s GDP, and its potential to drive national development through cost reductions. He aligned these insights with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s infrastructure initiatives and stressed the need for integrated multi-modal transportation to boost trade and connectivity. He reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in supply chain management and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Rameshwar Dubey, Conference Co-Chair and Head of Supply Chain Management, Montpellier Business School, France emphasized addressing supply chain gaps through collaboration. He highlighted the need for IIMs and IITs to unite in overcoming operational challenges critical to economic growth. Advocating for quality research and case-based methodologies, he acknowledged Prof. B.S. Sahay’s contributions to entrepreneurship and supply chain practices. He urged leveraging global best practices, fostering debate, and driving sustainable solutions through impactful research to advance supply chain management and address broader socio-economic challenges.

Prof. Cyril R.H. Foropon, Operations & Supply Chain Management and Director, Doctorate in Business Administration Programs, Montpellier Business School, France emphasized the power of collaboration in shaping the future of supply chain management. He highlighted the need to break silos, leverage academic-industry partnerships, and drive innovation through ethical, knowledge-driven practices. He urged participants to engage meaningfully with industry leaders to foster resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in supply chains.  

Dr. H. M. Belal, FHEA, CMBE, Reader in Operations and Quality Management, Liverpool John Moores University, highlighted the importance of broadening focus beyond supply chains to include marketing and evolving business models. He discussed integrating digitalization and sustainability in servitization practices to meet market demands and emphasized leveraging digital platforms for sharing innovative research. Reflecting on generational shifts, he underscored service as the cornerstone of business, encapsulating the motto “service is everything.

Panel Speaker Shri Kamal Sharma, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Vodafone Idea Ltd, highlighted the transformative role of digitization in industries, citing examples like IoT in logistics and AI for cost optimization. He urged professionals to embrace emerging technologies, adapt to changing consumer needs, and foster innovation. He emphasized the importance of intellectual property, regulatory awareness, mentorship, and holistic growth for sustained success.

The conference commenced with thought-provoking keynote addresses by renowned academicians, including   Keynote Speaker Prof. Debjit Roy, Founding Co-Chair Centre for Transportation and Logistics, IIM Ahmedabad, Prof. Surya Prakash Singh, Dhananjaya Chair Professor, Department of Management Studies (DMS), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) and Chairperson, Operations & Supply Chain group at DMS, IIT Delhi. These sessions offered invaluable insights into emerging trends, innovations, and strategic approaches to supply chain management.

Post the keynote sessions, conference paper presentations were held at Aryabhatta and Arjuna Classrooms. Researchers and practitioners presented their work, fostering discussions on innovative approaches to address real-world supply chain challenges.

The second day of the conference will include additional paper presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions featuring esteemed academics and industry experts. The event stands as a testament to IIM Jammu’s dedication to fostering global partnerships and advancing knowledge in critical management domains.