On April 12, 2024, Georgia Tech's Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) hosted a productive meeting of its Industry Advisory Board (IAB), bringing together key stakeholders from industry and academia to shape the future of supply chain education and research. The agenda commenced with a pre-meeting social, fostering networking opportunities among IAB members, faculty, and industry guests. Following a welcome by Professor Benoit Montreuil (SCL Executive Director), the SCL leadership team provided updates on the institute's progress and addressed common questions, setting the stage for dynamic discussions.

Representatives from leading companies joined the meeting, reflecting the broad industry interest in shaping the future of supply chain education and research. Attending companies included: Amazon, Americold, Cisco, Coca-Cola, Dematic, Georgia Center of Innovation in Logistics, Graphic Packaging International, The Home Depot, Georgia Ports Authority, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Michelin North America, MiTek, Newell Brands, Steelcase, UPS.

Professors Frederick Benaben and Chris Gaffney (SCL Managing Director) led a session on professional and lifelong supply chain education, seeking input on future strategies. Participants, including representatives from The Home Depot and Steelcase, emphasized the importance of practical application and cohesive program structures to maximize learning outcomes. This emphasis resonates with SCL's mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that educational offerings are not only rigorous but also relevant and applicable to real-world scenarios.

Infrastructure and logistics at a societal level took center stage, with discussions ranging from state-level initiatives in Georgia to novel ideas under ARPA-I. By exploring state-level initiatives, such as responses to the GA Senate Infrastructure Ask and collaborations with organizations like the Georgia Center of Innovation and the Atlanta Regional Commission, participants delved into how strategic partnerships and policy decisions can drive positive outcomes at scale.

Professor Alejandro Toriello (SCL Scientific Director) provided insights into ongoing research efforts, followed by faculty spotlights on AI and machine learning by Assistant Professor Tuo Zhao, shedding light on breakthroughs in natural language AI. Research students Dipayan Banerjee (Topic: Tactical Planning for Same-Day Delivery) and Lacy Greening (Topic: E-Commerce Fulfillment Network Planning) gave excellent presentations on innovative approaches to last-mile delivery and e-commerce network design, respectively, garnering interest from practitioners in attendance.

Chris Gaffney led discussions on the future of partnerships, seeking input on enhancing collaboration between academia and industry. Attendees emphasized the need for deeper engagement and a clearer understanding of the institute's capabilities. White space discussions highlighted areas for further exploration, including cybersecurity, sustainability, and diversity in the supply chain space. Attendee feedback underscored the importance of diverse perspectives and thought leadership in driving innovation.

The meeting concluded with plans for future engagement and reaffirming Georgia Tech's commitment to serving as a catalyst for industry advancements.