Discover the results of the 2nd Logistics Networks Disruption Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown very clearly the importance of well-functioning supply chains and logistics networks in today’s globalised economic context. On the other hand, the crisis also exposed related vulnerabilities of the latter, be it in the form of a strong dependency on given geographical regions for specific product types or through a lack of visibility and coordination along globalised and complex supply chains resulting in inefficiencies. 

It is therefore of utmost importance to further enhance innovation in the sector of supply chain management and logistics in order to increase its preparedness for future crises. The second survey on Logistics Networks Disruption conducted by the Work Package on Logistics and Supply Chains of the Research Luxembourg COVID-19 Task Force inquired companies about planned or ongoing digitalisation and automation projects aiming at increasing their resilience in view of possible future crises. Results show that the majority of responding companies is either already working on such digitalisation and automation projects or planning to do so.

Full results of the survey

We would like to express our warmest thanks to everyone who participated in the second round of the survey.

What’s next?

The Work Package on Logistics and Supply Chains of the Research Luxembourg COVID-19 Task Force will be put on hold for the time being. Supply chain resilience and how to use innovation and new technologies to increase preparedness of the sector for future crises will continue to be key topics of interest, on which the different partners of the work package will work. In this respect, following ongoing projects and initiatives might be of your interest:

• Different stakeholders of the Work Package, i.e. INCERT, LCL, and LIST, are currently working on the FNR sponsored project “ACTING NoW“ which aims at developing an approach for a “national control tower” allowing for the early identification of distress in logistics networks and essential supply chains. More related information can be found on the website of LIST or in an article of FDEF.
• Luxinnovation has set up the Fit 4 Resilience programme, a crisis exit and strategic repositioning programme for SMEs and large entreprises supported by the Ministry of the Economy. Conducted with help from consultants approved by Luxinnovation, it includes i.a. an analysis of the impact of the crisis on external and internal factors (market, products, processes, digitalization etc.), a study of strategic choices as well as the preparation of a short- and medium-term roadmap (including thoughts about the circular economy, regionalisation and digitalisation). Further related information can be found on the website of Luxinnovation.
• In the context of the “Neistart Lëtzebuerg” Economic Recovery Plan, a new aid scheme has been put into place, which aims at stimulating corporate investments in the era of COVID-19. It is dedicated to companies having suffered a drop in turnover of at least 15% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during April, May and June 2020. Eligible projects include development projects (e.g. a fundamental transformation of an existing company’s entire production or service provision process), process and organisational innovation projects and projects involving energy efficiency or going beyond standards. Particular attention will be paid to circular economy projects. Luxinnovation will organise dedicated webinars in FR, LU and ENG and further information can be found on Guichet.lu.
• On 16 September, the 1^st edition of the Digital Supply Chain Europe event will take place, mainly virtually and remotely, in conjunction with ICT Spring Europe, one of the biggest Tech Events in Luxembourg. The conference sessions will cover topics such as supply chain resilience, sustainability and the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on global supply chains. Further information can be found on the event's website.