Global Supply Chain Sensemaking

This page serves as a dynamic resource for OODA Network members looking for Global Supply Chain information to drive their decision-making process.

Scenario Planning for Global Computer Chip Supply Chain Disruption: Results of an OODA Stratigame

This report is the outcome of our first OODA wargame, which we have branded as a Stratigame (Strategic Game), focusing on the global computer chip supply chain issues. Over 25 members of the OODA Network of Experts participated in this Stratigame where the OODA research team developed four scenarios and then led a structured discussion in which experts provided unique insights into potential impacts of these scenarios, adjacent risks and opportunities, and recommended actions that would allow us to avoid the negative impacts of a particular scenario or nudge us into a more favorable scenario.

Global IT Supply Chain Disruptions Should Bolster Innovation and Cybersecurity with North American Allies

Global IT supply chain disruptions (ransomware, semiconductor shortages) necessitate business leaders and policymakers to take a fresh look at the Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Cybersecurity Strategy for North America. What are the ICT innovation and investment climates in Mexico and Canada? Is ICT investment part of the solution for the creation of regional economic development initiatives in Central America? ICT and Cybersecurity “trade” agreements need to take center stage in all multilateral policy interactions in the hemisphere in the next few years. Ryan Berg from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has released a timely report on these issues.

Ford Motor Company Commits to Chip Collaboration with GlobalFoundries, Including Expansion of Manufacturing

A strategic partnership was announced today between Ford and giant semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries Inc (GF), which “opens the door” in the short term for more chips to be produced for Ford by the industry-leading semiconductor foundry and to explore expanded semiconductor manufacturing opportunities to support the automotive industry. This partnership comes at a time when there seems to be no end in sight for the current chip shortages.

Building Resilient Supply Chains and Semiconductor Manufacturing

The White House issued an Executive Order on securing America’s supply chains, calling for “an immediate 100-day review across federal agencies to address vulnerabilities in the supply chains of semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging. The final review was delivered in June of 2021. The final report is an exhaustive 250-page document, of which 60 pages are dedicated to a semiconductor and advanced packaging supply chain risk assessment, along with sections on opportunities and challenges ahead, concluding with recommendations.

Global IT Supply Chain Security – The U.S. Needs to Step Up Its Game

Microsoft officials have warned that Russia’s intelligence apparatus has been engaged in another campaign to gain unauthorized access into thousands of U.S. government, corporate, and think tank networks. The ongoing cyber-espionage campaign appears to be focused on acquiring data that is stored in the cloud.

The activity further underscores Russia’s intent to target and compromise any entity that it feels vital to supporting its intelligence interests. The target list may be expansive, as a recent Microsoft report claimed more than half of nation-state attacks detected by the company have come from Russia.

Scenario Planning for Strategic Decision-making

Scenario planning is an often overlooked aspect of corporate decision-making. But it is needed now more than ever. Scenario planning is a methodology for helping leaders think through alternative futures in a way that enables identification of issues. It raises potential outcomes and impacts and helps conceptualize potential risks and opportunities so organizations can be better prepared. For more see: Scenario Planning for Strategic Decision-making

Potential Future Opportunities, Risks and Mitigation Strategies in the Age of Continuous Crisis

Now more than ever, organizations need to apply rigorous thought to business risks and opportunities. In doing so it is useful to understand the concepts embodied in the terms Black Swan and Gray Rhino. For more see: Potential Future Opportunities, Risks and Mitigation Strategies in the Age of Continuous Crisis

C-Suite Considerations Regarding Current Geopolitical Tensions

Something is different in the geopolitical situation today. The reasons are probably a combination of factors that include the pandemic, the rise of the global grid of cyberspace, plus the payoff of years of planning and strategic moves by our adversaries. But whatever the reasons, the world today is more complicated and more dangerous than the world of just a year ago, and in many cases the risks being faced by open societies have never been seen before. The changes are so significant, OODA recommends all business leaders take stock of the geopolitical situation and assess how the nature of these changes should impact your business strategy.

“The world is a more dangerous and complicated place than it was just a year ago. Your corporate strategy and defensive posture needs to reflect that”

See: C-Suite Considerations Regarding Current Geopolitical Tensions

What to know about a Return to “Great Power Competition”

This post provides insights into what the C-Suite needs to know about the rise of great power competition, based largely on a recently released report by the policy and legal research agency of the United States Congress, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), titled Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense—Issues for Congress. For more see: What the C-Suite needs to know about a Return to “Great Power Competition”

China’s Formal Bid for Global Dominance of the Semiconductor Supply Chain

What is the future of the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain? According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), China has a strategic framework for building a competitive advantage in the semiconductor industry. Implementation measures have also been announced by the Chines government that “encourage U.S. and foreign semiconductor companies to transfer certain technology, intellectual property (IP), talent, and research and development (R&D) to operations in China.” What does this mean? And what are the implications for your business or organization?

What to know about The USG Advisory on Risks and Considerations for Businesses Operating in Hong Kong

The US Government released a statement jointly produced by the Department of State, Department of Treasury, Department of Commerce and Department of Homeland Security on the topic of business risks associated with operating in Hong Kong. If any single agency released a memo on a topic like this it would be important. With all four teaming to produce this it is a clear signal that this advisory should be read and understood by any company doing business in or with Hong Kong. For more see: What The C-Suite Needs To Know About The USG Advisory on Risks and Considerations for Businesses Operating in Hong Kong