Topics, Findings and Switchpoints

Abstract

The 18 topics of this study are clustered in blocks: resources, macroeconomics and lifestyle, networks and technology and green Logistics. The block resources explored whether recycled materials will become the main source of supply. Recycling cycles were investigated, as were the issue of water and food supply imbalances between the regions of the world and the consequences of diminishing oil reserves. For macroeconomics and lifestyle, we questioned whether regional supply chain structures could make a comeback. The division of tasks between companies and industries was discussed, as was the composition of future business clusters. The impact of customer behavior, product lifecycles and home shopping in particular was addressed. Questions about networks and technology tackled the underlying logic behind transportation networks. We explored the separation of cargo and passenger flows, central and local routing of freight, and future distribution networks in cities. Looking at IT networks, we sought to determine whether proprietary systems will successfully defend their turf and how person-machine interfaces would evolve. The green Logistics block asked whether green solutions will become the industry standard. We also questioned by whom this trend would be driven primarily and whether mandatory limits will be employed to enforce environmental sustainability.