Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain
(SOSC) Monitor
Life Cycle Assessment
conducting and analyzing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of products, processes, and services throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to
disposal or recycling. Companies can obtain useful insights to identify the business model components with the highest environmental, social, and economic impact and build ad hoc sustainable strategies.
Circular Economy and Circular Districts
developing new production and consumption models that promote the circular economy, where materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, waste is minimized, and
products are designed for disassembly and recycling. The results of this research help companies to redesign their supply chains and re-engineer their production processes considering circularity objectives.
Sustainable Materials:
researching and developing sustainable materials, such as bioplastics, recycled materials, and biomaterials, that can replace traditional materials and reduce the environmental impact of production. The
results of this research suggest to companies how to improve their carbon footprint and create efficiency in procurement.
Sustainable Supply Chains:
developing and implementing sustainable supply chain practices, such as ethical sourcing, lean production, and sustainable logistics, to reduce the environmental impact of operations along the
supply chain. Through this research, companies can identify the most effective and virtuous paths to make their supply chains sustainable and compete globally creating a reputation inspired by values of sustainability, ethics,
and transparency.
Green Technologies
development and experimentation of new green technologies, such as renewable energy sources, energy-efficient production processes, and intelligent production systems, capable of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Companies that collaborate with the SOSC Monitor have the opportunity to learn about and evaluate, through scientific research, the benefits and advantages of the
latest green technologies, especially in terms of environmental and social targets related to the SDG 2030 agenda.
Responsible Digitalization
research on the potential environmental and social impacts of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet-of-Things, and development of responsible digitalization
strategies to minimize negative impacts and maximize productivity and profitability. The results of these research activities help companies to select digital technology portfolios to implement, also taking into consideration
sustainability and social responsibility dimensions.
Eco-Innovation
encouraging and supporting eco-innovation, such as new product designs, business models, and supply chains that aim for sustainability and circularity. The SOSC Monitor's research on eco-innovation guides
companies toward the selection of sustainability-inspired product and process innovations, including collaborations with suppliers and partners, as well as influence from institutions and regulations that encourage their
adoption.
Industrial Ecology
promoting sustainable industrial development by exploring the interconnections between the economy, society, and the environment to optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact. Companies
can benefit from the knowledge created through these research activities to define new operational routines and new regulatory standards within the industry, in order to promote sustainable development of the industrial
ecosystem.
Industrial symbiosis
promoting partnerships and networks between industries to exchange resources, knowledge, and skills, promoting sustainability in operations and supply chains. Companies that undertake these research
paths can obtain useful information on potential opportunities offered by the integration of operations between companies originally belonging to different sectors and supply chains, identifying new development and
business opportunities.
Intelligent Logistics
research on sustainable and smart solutions to be adopted both in the context of internal logistics (e.g. warehouse logistics) and external logistics contexts (e.g. physical distribution). Companies can
benefit from this research by identifying the most appropriate logistics strategies to address operational problems with a significant impact on environmental and social sustainability, such as last mile delivery
Service Operations
Sustainable Service Operations research helps identify the best sustainable practices that can be adopted by service companies as well as by production companies that adopt servitization strategies.
Companies that collaborate with the SOSC Monitor on these projects obtain useful information on the implementation of sustainable strategies in services. Defining and implementing these strategies is less obvious and
straightforward compared to manufacturing contexts
Types of research projects
Scientific research projects:
Research projects are essential to developing a strategic and informed vision for companies to address the challenges of sustainability and avoid falling into the trap of greenwashing. Only through scientific research and the adoption of innovative research methods can companies differentiate themselves from their competition, satisfy environmentally conscious customers and stakeholders, and develop a sustainable identity based on credible scientific research. Sustainability is not only an ethical imperative, but also an opportunity to stand out in the market and build a reputation that is based on sustainable values.
Custom research projects:
Customized research within the SOSC Monitor represents an essential tool for companies that want to focus their sustainability efforts on their specific needs, challenges, and objectives. It allows for a deeper understanding of sustainability in operations and the supply chain, which translates into more effective and efficient sustainability strategies in line with environmental impact reduction goals and the promotion of social well-being.
Research projects with the business community:
The business community is a vital part of the SOSC Monitor, and its involvement is essential to achieving research objectives. The SOSC Monitor will engage companies in interviews, focus groups, surveys, and other research activities to gather information on sustainable operational practices, challenges, and opportunities. The business community will also have the opportunity to discuss research results through direct contacts, workshops, and conferences, and provide feedback on the activities of the SOSC Monitor. Experimentation with new sustainability practices and technologies will be carried out in collaboration with partners, providing them with the opportunity to implement and benefit from the latest innovations and solutions identified through research.