How Urbanisation Is Reshaping Global Supply Chains

The world has seen massive change over the last five years. Climate change, geopolitical conflicts, a global pandemic and shifting alliances have all impacted supply chains in all aspects. Midway through 2025, the year has already faced a myriad of challenges that have significantly impacted supply chains and logistics.

This episode of Beyond the Box explores how urbanisation, when a population moves from rural to urban areas, is reshaping supply chain strategies to meet the needs of densely populated cities. Hosted by Cecilia Larsen and Nichole Allem, the episode features insights from two experts from academia: Anna Fredriksson, Professor of Construction Logistics in the Communication and Transport System Division at Linköping University, and Mark Lorenzen, Associate Professor of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Industrial Dynamics and Director of DRUID at Copenhagen Business School.

Together, they explore:

• The rise of micro-hubs and the shift of megacity dominance
• Why internal city logistics are just as critical as global connectivity
• How circularity, shared warehousing, and energy access are shaping urban supply chains
• The shift from global-for-global to regional-for-local logistics models
• The growing role of logistics companies in urban planning and policy

Whether you're in logistics, customs, trade operations, or supply chain risk management, this episode offers practical insights into navigating today’s fast-changing global trade environment.

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