In today’s interconnected world, supply chain logistics has become the pulse of the global economy. It not only supports the lifeline of businesses but also serves as a key determinant of national competitiveness. However, with the rapid development of the industry, the field of supply chain logistics is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From the explosive growth of e-commerce to the complexity and volatility of global trade, from the ever-evolving cutting-edge technologies to the increasingly stringent environmental sustainability requirements, all of these factors place higher demands on talent in supply chain logistics.

According to data from the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing, China’s logistics market has been the largest in the world for many consecutive years, with over 400,000 logistics-related legal entities and more than 55 million logistics professionals. Each year, over one million job opportunities are generated in the sector. However, the number of graduates specializing in supply chain and logistics from professional institutions is only around 170,000 annually, which is insufficient to meet the demands of industry development. Against this backdrop, the cultivation of supply chain logistics talent has become an urgent issue. More importantly, future competition will not only be between companies but also between supply chains.

The complexity and diversity of the supply chain logistics industry: The industry covers the entire process from raw material procurement and product manufacturing to product sales, involving various sub-sectors such as apparel, consumer goods, automobiles, and fresh produce. For example, the logistics supply chain for bulk commodities like coal, crude oil, and chemicals differs from that for intermediate products like steel, industrial goods, and special commodities, and further differs from the logistics supply chain for final products like express delivery, consumer goods, and complete vehicles. Each area has its own specific needs and challenges, such as cold chain logistics requiring strict temperature control, while automobile logistics needs to consider large equipment transportation and assembly. This requires supply chain professionals to not only have a broad knowledge base but also to deeply understand the characteristics of specific industries.

The need for upstream and downstream collaboration in the supply chain: The upstream supply chain usually involves the procurement and supply of raw materials, while the downstream connects to distribution and retail. Different links have varying demands and standards for logistics. For instance, the upstream may focus more on cost control and supply stability, while the downstream is more concerned with delivery speed and customer satisfaction. This requires supply chain professionals to have cross-disciplinary coordination and integration skills. For example, in the chemical industry, supply chain management, due to the special and hazardous nature of chemicals, must operate under a highly regulated environment. This demands that supply chain professionals not only have specialized logistics knowledge but also understand relevant laws, regulations, and safety standards. Additionally, supply chain logistics financial services supporting the real economy require professionals to not only understand supply chain management but also financial knowledge, in order to provide efficient and convenient financing channels.

Technological-driven industry transformation: With the development of artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and other technologies, the supply chain logistics industry is undergoing a digital and intelligent transformation. For instance, JD Logistics has built an efficient, collaborative logistics network centered on intelligent warehousing, integrating data and algorithm-driven operational automation to provide integrated supply chain logistics services. This requires supply chain professionals to not only master traditional logistics management knowledge but also acquire information technology skills such as big data analysis, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things to enhance supply chain transparency, responsiveness, and operational efficiency.

The trend toward green and sustainable development: In the context of global climate change and environmental issues, green and sustainable supply chain logistics management is receiving increasing attention. Enterprises need to implement energy-saving and emission-reduction measures across all stages of the supply chain, such as optimizing transportation routes and using eco-friendly packaging materials. For example, SF Technology has developed a full-link logistics carbon footprint management system, improving the green and low-carbon operational resilience of its supply chain. This highlights the need for supply chain professionals to possess environmental knowledge and the corresponding management skills.