SDU launches Denmark's first master's programme in Supply Chain Digitalisation
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Sønderborg has launched Denmark's first master's programme in Supply Chain Digitalisation. This pioneering programme aims to equip future engineers to address the global supply chain's challenges in an increasingly digitalised world.
SDU Sønderborg has partnered with BMC, LINAK, BITZER, OJ Electronics, Sønderborg Municipality, and FDE Foundation to establish a new Centre for Supply Chain Digitalisation. The centre aims to position Denmark as a leading player in supply chain digitalisation, ensuring that businesses can withstand future crises. At the same time, the centre will offer Denmark's first master's programme in Supply Chain Digitalisation.
"Supply chains are fragile, and many have witnessed their vulnerability when something unexpected occurs. With the new programme, we can simulate and model different scenarios, preparing businesses for future challenges and fostering growth despite disruptions or crises. This makes them more resilient," says Associate Professor Arne Bilberg, head of the SDU Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation section and one of the key drivers behind the new programme.
Bilberg also emphasises that supply chain digitalisation can help model and simulate carbon or CO2 footprints, making it essential for assessing and optimising the climate impact of supply chains.
When supply chains break
To illustrate the fragility of global supply chains, let's rewind to 23 March 2021, when the Ever Given container ship ran aground in the Suez Canal. The 224,000-tonne vessel blocked one of the world's most important transport routes. According to CNBC, it delayed goods worth DKK 2.5 billion (£288 million) for each hour the route was obstructed. It took over six days to free the ship.
Alongside the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the Suez blockage highlighted the importance of predicting and mitigating unforeseen events.
This is one reason why the new programme in digital supply chain management is so vital, says Arne Bilberg:
"The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have been real eye-openers for many companies. That's why it's important we now offer a master's programme in Supply Chain Digitalisation."
In-demand skills
The new programme will focus on advanced technologies such as simulation, data analysis, and machine learning, enabling students to enhance visibility and integration within supply chains. This is an area that companies like Danfoss, which has supported the development of the programme, see as highly promising.
"Danfoss places a significant focus on using digital models to optimise supply chains. We've already collaborated with SDU on modelling and simulation, which has helped us optimise our factory in China during the pandemic. This programme will provide us with qualified graduates with the skills we need," says Troels Petersen, Senior Vice President of Danfoss M&A.
The first students are expected to start in 2025, provided that the program is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. For further information, please contact: Program Director Marianne Stenger at mas@iti.sdu.dk.