Global supply chains are undergoing unprecedented transformation. Faced with persistent challenges and increasing uncertainty, how can companies maintain competitive advantage? A new report from real estate investment trust Prologis reveals the strategic shifts supply chain leaders are implementing: deep AI integration and accelerated regionalization have emerged as two core drivers for building resilient supply chains.
Prologis Report: Mapping Future Supply Chain Trends
The 2026 Prologis Supply Chain Outlook report represents more than simple industry predictions—it's a strategic playbook based on extensive research and data analysis. Surveying over 1,800 senior executives across the U.S., Europe, Asia and Mexico, the report analyzes supply chain evolution over the coming decade while offering actionable strategies to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
The central thesis describes a "Great Reshaping," where global supply chain leaders are driving fundamental transformation through artificial intelligence, regional self-sufficiency and energy resilience. This transition represents an evolutionary process requiring forward-looking strategy and decisive action.
Cautious Optimism: Confidence Tempered by Risk Awareness
While 82% of respondents expressed optimism about 2026 performance, they're simultaneously implementing measures to mitigate ongoing disruption risks. This balanced perspective reflects both confidence in growth opportunities and acute awareness of potential vulnerabilities.
Key resilience-building initiatives include:
- Technology deployment: 56% of companies have implemented IoT, blockchain and big data analytics to enhance efficiency, transparency and traceability
- Risk monitoring systems: 50% installed advanced systems to detect and respond to disruptions from natural disasters, geopolitical instability or supplier failures
- Inventory buffers: 48% increased safety stock to manage supply shortages and demand volatility while maintaining customer service levels
The Regionalization Imperative
By 2030, 58% of surveyed executives plan to prioritize regional supply chains—concentrating production and consumption within geographic zones to reduce distance, improve responsiveness and enhance flexibility.
"Regionalization creates more resilient, responsive supply chains while delivering diversified sourcing benefits," McLaughlin explained. "However, relocating manufacturing or procurement presents significant challenges. Companies must identify locations with qualified talent, supplier networks, adequate infrastructure and competitive cost structures."
This trend reflects growing emphasis on supply chain security and stability. Amid global trade uncertainties, regionalization offers reduced transportation costs, shorter lead times, lower disruption risks and better alignment with local market needs.
Energy Resilience Gains Strategic Priority
Energy concerns are intensifying as production shifts create competition for industrial real estate in strategic locations. Infrastructure development often lags behind demand due to lengthy planning cycles and complex regulatory processes.
"Given current focus and observable trends in border regions like Mexico and Eastern Europe, it's unsurprising to see energy rising rapidly on executive agendas," McLaughlin noted.
Nearly 90% of companies reported energy-related disruptions last year, yet only 27% maintain advanced backup systems. Prologis recommends collaborating with local governments on infrastructure upgrades, implementing on-site power generation/storage solutions, and factoring energy reliability into site selection criteria.
AI: The Decision-Making Powerhouse
Seventy percent of surveyed companies now leverage AI for quality control and risk identification through advanced or transformative applications.
"AI operates in real-time with new use cases constantly being tested across supply chains," McLaughlin observed. "While many focus on operational efficiency—using AI to execute existing tasks better and faster—executives anticipate AI will drive most supply chain decisions in logistics, procurement and inventory management by 2030."
AI applications deliver measurable benefits across four key areas:
- Operational efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks while optimizing resource allocation
- Quality assurance: Real-time production monitoring and defect detection
- Risk mitigation: Analyzing supply chain data to identify vulnerabilities
- Decision optimization: Forecasting demand and improving inventory management
Strategic Roadmap for Supply Chain Leaders
The Prologis report provides a comprehensive action plan for navigating supply chain transformation:
- Develop clear digital transformation strategies with defined AI implementation goals
- Increase R&D investment in proprietary supply chain management solutions
- Upskill workforce capabilities in digital tools and risk management
- Advance regionalization initiatives through strategic location analysis
- Strengthen supplier partnerships to collectively address disruption risks
- Prioritize energy resilience in facility planning and operations
As supply chains enter this era of fundamental restructuring, companies embracing AI-driven decision making, regional network design and energy resilience will gain sustainable competitive advantage. The transformation requires strategic vision, operational discipline and continuous adaptation—but for organizations willing to lead rather than follow, the opportunities outweigh the challenges.