Improving global supply chains

In the past, outsourcing production to other countries used to be a simple matter. America provided value through design capabilities and reliance upon domestically-produced components. Many businesses relied upon inexpensive labor from abroad to assemble products, and global distributors would deliver materials “just-in-time” for American firms.

But now there are tremendous disruptions in global supply chains with problems ranging from shifts in consumer demand and offshoring reliability to transportation jams, anti-competitive practices, and geopolitical complications. As noted in a 2022 Council of Economic Advisers report, supply chains these days “are efficient but brittle – vulnerable to breaking down in the face of a pandemic, a war or a natural disaster. Because of outsourcing, offshoring and insufficient investment in resilience, many supply chains have become complex and fragile.” A new report by Darrell West examines six ways to improve global supply chains.

On July 14, as part of the eleventh annual John Hazen White Forum on Public Policy, experts will examine supply chain problems and ways to mitigate them. This forum convenes leaders from academia, business, and government to discuss and identify solutions to the United States’ most pressing challenges.

After each session, panelists will take audience questions. This event will be webcast live. Viewers can submit questions for speakers by emailing [email protected] or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #SupplyChain.

If you are attending in person, Brookings requires all staff and visitors to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 via vaccines approved by the FDA or WHO. After submitting your registration, please proceed to the provided link on the confirmation page to complete the registration process by verifying your vaccination information.