Digitisation is now the new resilience imperative, according to WEF’ s Global Risks Report 2025, urging supply chains to evolve beyond efficiency
SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM( WEF)
Digitisation is now the new resilience imperative, according to WEF’ s Global Risks Report 2025, urging supply chains to evolve beyond efficiency
The World Economic Forum( WEF) Global Risks Report reveals that supply chains in 2025 must move beyond efficiency and become digitally resilient to survive a turbulent global environment. The report outlines how trade disruption, cyber threats, climate shocks and regulatory divergence are pushing companies to overhaul traditional supply chain models.
WEF identifies a clear shift away from linear, cost-optimised supply chains towards digitised ecosystems designed to absorb continual disruption. Tariffs, subsidies, conflicting regulations and cloud access restrictions are fragmenting global operations. In this environment, digital infrastructure becomes critical. The report calls for end-to-end visibility, real-time risk sensing and zero-trust cybersecurity across all suppliers and platforms.
Despite growing awareness, fewer than 8 % of leaders say they have full control over their supply chain vulnerabilities. Many are facing larger-than-expected losses, highlighting a gap between risk recognition and preparedness. The
“Our next decade hinges on rebuilding trust across borders, data and systems”
WEF Global Risks Report 2025
report urges investment in climate adaptation, multi-tier supplier mapping, interoperable data governance and“ minilateral” trade agreements – regional or sector-specific pacts that can function when global consensus fails.
Digitisation is no longer just about speed and efficiency. According to WEF, it is now the foundation for supply chain resilience, enabling organisations to manage disruption, maintain operations and protect global trade flows.
136 December 2025