From chains to webs: how crises have transformed global supply routes

Conflict, covid and climate – it’s been a perfect storm for global supply chains. But it's also been an opportunity for companies to rethink their strategies: and invest in technologies that help them handle increased complexity.

So what are company bosses doing to navigate the stormy economic weather?

The World Economic Forum suggests there are 5 factors global supply chains are fighting.

Skyrocketing inflation - which means millions of consumers are cutting back which hits demand but also creates uncertainty making it tough for supply chain experts to plan.

Labour unrest - across Europe there have been many recent examples of workers taking industrial action partly due to their pay packets now being worth less.

Energy shortages - rising energy prices have caused companies to cut back too. Limiting production and making life even trickier for those supply chain planners.

Geo-political uncertainty - political tensions and conflicts have created even more disruption and uncertainty.

Extreme weather - all of this comes against a backdrop of the climate crisis. Changes to regulation, but also the very real damage and disruption caused by the dramatic shifts in weather patterns we are all already starting to experience

These are major issues. But on the flip-side WEF research also revealed that 77% of Chief Economists  expect businesses to respond and tackle the tough conditions with innovation by optimising supply chains.

So should we feel anxious or optimistic about businesses' ability to supply us with the products and services we rely on? Ranjeev Menon is group CEO of GWC, a leading logistics and supply chain firm based in Qatar.

He believes that positive signs are on the horizon.

"Global supply chains are recovering after about