Towards an adaptable, sustainable, cognitive ecosystem.

Reinventing Supply Chains 2030

July 02, 2024

63%

of companies are adapting supply chains to manage disruption.

93%

of supply chain champions are taking a holistic transformation approach.

63%

of best in class/champions are prepared to comply with pending ESG regulations, compared to 12% of all respondents.

40%

of companies have initiatives underway to regionalise their supply chains.

Supply chains have entered an era of constant turmoil with challenges on all fronts — from financial and technological to political, social and ecological. This report explores six major interconnected trends emerging in the Irish market that significantly shape supply chains.

Overview of most influntial supply chain trends

How do you assess the impact of the trends listed below on your supply chain today and by 2030

_{Base: 1,011 companies. Percentages of survey respondents who rated each technology as highly important.

Source: PwC study "Reinventing Supply Chains 2030"}

Major trends shaping supply chains

1. Increasing frequency of severe supply chain disruptions

Supply chains are undergoing significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions, trade and energy crises, infrastructure shortages, and high inflation rates in Ireland. Companies must navigate these disruptions to maintain operational stability.

2. Expanding ESG compliance

EU ESG requirements are forcing Irish companies to become more sustainable and transparent. Failure to comply can result in severe financial penalties and reputational damage. Companies need to integrate ESG practices into their supply chains to mitigate risks.

3. Rising competition from fully integrated ecosystems

The need for greater resilience and efficiency, driven by changes in EU regulation and sustainability challenges, is increasing the number of value chain ecosystems. Companies are forming integrated ecosystems to enhance their competitive edge and operational efficiency.

4. Growing talent and workforce scarcity

Irish employers are experiencing increasing skill shortages, which are leading to supply chain bottlenecks and delays. Addressing talent gaps is critical to maintaining supply chain efficiency and meeting market demands.

5. Evolving technological advances

Companies need to adapt to advanced technologies that are transforming supply chain operations. Modern technologies enhance data visibility, automate manual work, and improve communication and collaboration across the value chain.

6. Increasing need to support new business models

Customers increasingly demand sustainable goods and services along with ease, convenience and speedy supply. To meet these demands, supply chain models must evolve to be more service-oriented and sustainable.

The role of supply chain champions

Our survey found that around 8% of companies are ‘supply chain champions’. These industry leaders take a holistic, integrated approach to work transparently, productively and collaboratively with stakeholders. By implementing priority capabilities and technologies, these champions predict supply chain cost reductions of 19% and revenue gains of 16%.