MEGATRENDS IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAINS: APPROACHES OF RESEARCH LABORATORIES AT THE FACULTY OF LOGISTICS, UNIVERSITY OF MARIBOR

Abstract

Megatrends are long-term, global forces that shape the economy, society, technology, and culture, posing new challenges for logistics. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of key megatrends on logistics processes and supply chains, and to demonstrate how the research laboratories of the Faculty of Logistics at the University of Maribor (FLUM) adapt to these megatrends in developing innovative, flexible, and sustainable solutions. The megatrends considered include demographic changes, technological development, collaboration and integration, globalisation, and environmental factors and sustainability. The following section presents how FLUM research laboratories contribute to adapting to key megatrends. The Laboratory for Cognitive Systems in Logistics addresses technological megatrends by developing artificial intelligence algorithms for decision optimisation and process automation. The Laboratory for Quantitative Modeling in Logistics supports technological development and the complexity of global supply chains through mathematical modeling and big data analytics to enhance efficiency and resilience. The Laboratory for Sustainable Mobility and Transport focuses on environmental megatrends by researching sustainable transport solutions, vehicle electrification, and urban logistics. The Laboratory for Logistics and Supply Chain Management addresses megatrends in globalisation, collaboration, and integration by developing strategies for flexible and effective supply chain management. This paper provides insight into how megatrends are shaping the future of logistics and how FLUM laboratories contribute to the development of adaptable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.