On 2 December 2021, the workshop How Digital Technology Can Elevate Supply Chain Practices was successfully held at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC). The workshop was sponsored by Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China) and supported by the Ningbo municipal-level innovation team Talent Scheme. More than 60 scholars and PhD students from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Hefei University of Technology, and Donghua University participated in the workshop.

Professor Martin Lockett, Dean of NUBS China, delivered the welcome speech at the opening ceremony. He warmly welcomed all the participants and introduced current and recent developments at NUBS China. The workshop included three research presentations on the frontiers of supply chain management research.

Professor Shaobo Wei from the Hefei University of Technology presented a study entitled 'Does Geographic Distance to Customers Improve or Inhibit Supplier Innovation?', addressing the topic of supply chain innovation based on knowledge-based views. Mr Murtaza Faruquee, UNNC PhD candidate, gave a talk on 'The Role of Digital Transformation in Modern Supply Chain Relationships', focusing on digital transformation in supply chain management. Dr Yunting Feng, Assistant Professor at Donghua University, delivered a presentation entitled 'Digital Transformation for Green Supply Chain Innovation in Manufacturing Operations', which looked at qualitative research on the sustainability of supply chains.

After the three research presentations, Li Dak Sum Chair Professor in Information Systems and Operations Management, Professor Antony Paulraj, moderated a panel discussion of six scholars, including Professor Shaobo Wei, Dr Yunting Feng, Professor Jing Dai, Dr Zheng Lu, Dr Jenny Pu, and Dr Zhao Cai. The discussion focused on how supply chain practices are elevated by digital technologies. They shared their views on topics such as the application of advanced technologies and the research opportunities in supply chain management, as well as the barriers and drivers of technology adoption and the value creation of digital transformation in supply chains. They also provided suggestions to PhD students who are interested in supply chain management research.

This workshop is a part of events organised by the Innovation Team, which promotes knowledge exchange among scholars, practitioners, and students. The Innovation Team aims to facilitate research collaboration within and beyond UNNC, building a network with other institutions on supply chain management.