Academic Symposium 2024

Reimagining Contracts for Evolving Supply Chains

Tuesday 3rd December - Wednesday 4th December | Online & free to all

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Register    |   Agenda   |   Steering Committee   |   Event Partners   |   In-person Hubs

WorldCC Foundation's Academic Symposium 2024

Reimagining Contracts for Evolving Supply Chains

The Academic Symposium, spearheaded by the WorldCC Foundation, aims to foster a collaborative environment where academics and contracting practitioners can converge to explore and identify new research opportunities within the broader context of supply chain networks and ecosystems. This symposium will delve into the evolving role of contracts in supply chains, emphasizing the need for adaptive and proactive approaches to contract management.

There is a groundswell of opinion that we must do things differently - and a fresh approach to contracts is an essential element in achieving change. The 2024 Symposium seeks to bring academics and practitioners together in a forum where they will turn theories into practice and identify a forward-looking research agenda.

Don't miss out! Register to join us virtually!

Secure your place at this inspiring event. Day One will feature a host of panel discussions and academic paper presentations. Virtual attendees will be able to access a special session on Day Two, which features the harvest of insights from the in-person hubs.

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What’s in it for you?
 
Join us in shaping the future of supply chains by embracing shared responsibility and mutual support. Gain valuable insights into using practical tools and resources for effective supply chain management.
 
Receive a total of 3 CPD points that count towards WorldCC Certification.
Who should attend
  • Legal procurement contracting and commercial professionals.
  • Professionals from the public and private sectors.
  • Students, academics, and practitioners.
  • Sustainability community - aligning with the aspirations of regulators and companies, paving the way for shared responsibility in the future.
Key themes and topics
 
  • Designing contacts that drive supply chain performance and information flow.
  • Performance measure and incentive structures.
  • Risk management and global events.
  • Supply chain networks and ecosystems.
  • Technology and AI in supply chain management.

Agenda

Reimagining Contracts for Evolving Supply Chains

This year's agenda bridges the gap between academia and industry by spotlighting key challenges and innovative solutions in contract management. With a line-up of leading academics and practitioners, the sessions feature real-world applications and research insights addressing global risks, technology's impact, and collaborative practices. Through paper presentations, engaging panels and discussions, this event connects research and practice, pushing the boundaries of what contracts can achieve and guiding future exploration in the field. 

This FREE event is available in 11 LANGUAGES, with all virtual content available ON DEMAND, so register today to gain access to all the career enriching content available over the next 12 months. Don’t miss out!

Agenda Highlights

Building fair and resilient supply chains

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation between Tim Cummins, President of WorldCC, and Liz Barclay, the UK's Small Business Commissioner. In this engaging session, Liz will dive into how evolving supply chains can support everyone involved—from large corporations to the smallest suppliers. She'll share her insights on fair contracts, empowering smaller businesses, and creating contracts that boost resilience and flexibility across complex supply chains.

Liz Barclay
Tim Cummins
Liz Barclay
UK Small Business Commissioner
Tim Cummins
World Commerce & Contracting

Reimagining Supply Chain Networks: Adapting Contracts for Complexity

World-renowned supply chain expert from NC State University, Rob Handfield, will lead a panel delving into the evolving landscape of global supply chains and how contracts can work to manage risks, foster innovation, and adapt to the disruptions brought by emerging technologies and global shifts.

Paper title: Sustainable competitive advantage in supply chains via the role of contracts
Presented by: Suvi Hirvonen-Ere, Experienced legal, commercial and contract management executive, Advisory Board Member, Doctor of Laws, World Commerce & Contracting Fellow

Moderated by:
Rob Handfield, Professor of Supply Chain Management, NC State University
Dr. Rajinder Bhandal, Lecturer in Management, Leeds University Business School
Kevin J Edwards, PVP Corporate Supplier Engagement, Bechtel Global Corporation
Daniel McLuskie, Corporate Manager of Subcontracts, Bechtel Global Corporation

Paper Presentation & Designing Contracts That Drive Supply Chain Performance and Information Flow

In today’s supply chain landscape, clear and effective contract design is critical for improving performance and ensuring smooth flows of information. This session, led by Rob Waller from the University of Leeds, will bring together both academics and practitioners to explore how simplified, well-structured contracts can reduce disputes, enhance collaboration, and drive strategic alignment. By focusing on contract design, this session addresses a fundamental aspect of the supply chain that impacts efficiency and resilience. Join us to gain insights into how thoughtful contract design can support organizational goals and strengthen overall supply chain effectiveness.

Paper title: Contracts as co-created scripts
Presented by: Petra Hietanen Kunwald, University Lecturer/Business Law, Aalto University

Moderated by: Rob Waller, Visiting Professor, University of Leeds
Dr. Anne Ketola, Senior Researcher, Tampere University
Dr. Clive Rees, SVP Head of Global Supply Chain Unit, Fujitsu Limited
Hal Bretan, Contract Standards Executive in Residence, World Commerce & Contracting

Hub final readout & closing remarks

Nominated spokespersons from each workshop will have 20 minutes to present their top ideas and the dependencies to move forward to the wider group. Our viewer audience will have the opportunity to comment, join in on polls and ask questions throughout.

In-person hubs at leading institutions:

Aalto logo
University of Amsterdam
mumbai
Prague City University
SNDT logo

Our in-person hubs will gather academics who will work together to identify gaps and opportunities for new research.

If you are an academic and would like to lead your own in-person Hub or participate in one of the local Hubs available, please reach out to us at events@worldcc.com. This is your chance to be part of a dynamic global network while engaging with peers locally.

Steering Committee

Barbara Allen Follow me on LinkedIn

Associate Professor of Public Management and Policy
Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Wellington University Wellington

Gerlinde Berger-Walliser Follow me on LinkedIn

Associate Professor of Business Law
University of Connecticut

Dr Rajinder Bhandal Follow me on LinkedIn

  Lecturer in Management
Leeds University Business School

Paula Doyle Follow me on LinkedIn

Legal Innovation Advisor
World Commerce & Contracting

Kevin Edwards Follow me on LinkedIn

VP
Bechtel

Dan Finkenstadt Follow me on LinkedIn

Principal
Wolf Stake Consulting LLC

Helena Haapio Follow me on LinkedIn

Associate Professor of Business Law
University of Vaasa

Pete Halliwell Follow me on LinkedIn

Commercial Manager
Essential Energy

Rob Handfield Follow me on LinkedIn

Professor of Supply Chain Management
NC State University

Henrik Lando Follow me on LinkedIn

Professor of law and economics
CBS LAW/MPP

Rocco Macchiavello Follow me on LinkedIn

Professor of Management
The London School of Economics and Political Science

Max Marzetti Follow me on LinkedIn

Head of the Law Track, Assistant Professor of Law
IÉSEG School of Management

Clive Rees Follow me on LinkedIn

Vice President
Fujitsu Procurement

Dr. Anne Staal Follow me on LinkedIn

Senior Lecturer
School of Future Environments

Partners

Steering Committee

Event Partners