Supply chain and logistics innovations with the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive, ambitious, long-term project initiated by the Chinese government, with participation from many other countries, to facilitate trade and improve logistics in an effort to promote global economic development. In this paper, we identified the supply chain and logistics innovations linked to the BRI. These innovations include new routes and modes for global trade, new supply chain design, reduction of cross-border logistics frictions, and entrepreneurial development. Examples of some of these innovations are emerging, while new ones are being developed. These innovations can enable businesses to improve their operational performances and create economic value. At the same time, to realize the full potentials of BRI, new work processes and technologies, incentive alignment, collaborations among businesses, and optimized planning are needed. This provides great opportunities for researchers to explore how to overcome barriers and achieve the full values of BRI.