Forecasting Supply Chain Trends: Insights for 2026
<p>As we step into 2026, supply chain leaders are not only reflecting on the challenges of the past year but also looking toward the future with a keen eye. The complexities of the supply chain landscape remain dynamic, and industry professionals are eager to address both ongoing issues and emerging opportunities.</p>
<h2>The New Normal</h2>
<p>The speed of change within supply chains has not abated. As companies continue to navigate a myriad of obstacles—shifting trade regulations, rising operational costs, labor shortages, evolving customer expectations, and innovative technologies—their environments have become increasingly complex. What distinguishes 2026 from previous years is the recognition that many of these challenges are not fleeting; they are solidifying into the fabric of the industry as the new normal.</p>
<h2>Looking Ahead: Insights from Industry Leaders</h2>
<p>To capture a snapshot of the outlook for the year, SupplyChain247 reached out to several industry leaders, asking them to reflect on their expectations and concerns as we head into 2026. The responses revealed a blend of optimism and apprehension, with themes emerging around pressing issues that require greater scrutiny.</p>
<h3>Key Questions Addressed</h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>What are you most excited about in 2026?</strong></li>
<li><strong>What’s keeping you up at night heading into the new year?</strong></li>
<li><strong>What isn’t getting talked about enough right now?</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>These questions not only highlight the leaders' aspirations and challenges but also shine a light on overlooked areas that might benefit from increased attention.</p>
<h2>Voices from the Field</h2>
<p>Notable contributors to this dialogue include:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrei-quinn-barabanov/" target="_blank">Andrei Quinn Barabanov</a>,
Supply Chain Industry Practice Lead, Moody's
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-budweiser-9a89ab118/?originalSubdomain=de" target="_blank">Peter Budweiser</a>,
General Manager of Supply Chain, Celonis
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcollot/en/" target="_blank">Baptiste Collot</a>,
Co-Founder and CEO, Trustpair
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabbir-dahod-215471b/" target="_blank">Shabbir Dahod</a>,
CEO, TraceLink
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhargis4328/" target="_blank">DeAnn Hargis</a>,
Director of Global Sustainability, Dematic
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyharfield/" target="_blank">Timothy Harfield</a>,
Head of Product Marketing, ORO Labs
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/npstifle/" target="_blank">Nikki Paripovich Stifle</a>,
Global Business Industry Solutions Lead - Consumer Goods & Services, Esri
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmsherman/" target="_blank">Andy Sherman</a>,
GM - USA, Fictiv
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-stanfield-b676067/" target="_blank">Matt Stanfield</a>,
Managing Director, LEK Consulting
</li>
</ul>
<p><em>(View the slideshow to see the responses)</em></p>
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