Research Center
Center for Supply Chain Research
Discover the research center helping organizations build stronger, more resilient supply chains through academic and industry collaboration.
Bridging Academia and Industry to Advance Supply Chain Innovation
Behind every product and service is an interconnected ecosystem of suppliers, manufacturers, transportation providers, technology systems, and distribution partners. Understanding how these networks operate helps you anticipate disruption, manage risk, and build organizations resilient enough to absorb what they can't predict.
The Center for Supply Chain Research® (CSCR®) at Penn State Smeal College of Business is one of the nation's leading academic centers for supply chain management, professional development, and industry engagement, connecting organizations and careers with the people and ideas shaping the field. Rooted in Penn State Smeal's nationally recognized supply chain program, CSCR gives you opportunities to work alongside faculty and business leaders while helping organizations solve real-world supply chain challenges.
You'll engage through:
Professional development and advanced learning opportunities for supply chain leaders
Corporate engagements supporting research, talent development, and industry collaboration
Collectives, advanced programming, and events that bring together researchers and industry professionals
Faculty research addressing sourcing, analytics, logistics operations, resilience, sustainability, and emerging technologies
How CSCR Connects Academia and Industry
Corporate Support
Join CSCR's Community of Practice, a network of organizations collaborating with faculty and students on research, talent, and industry engagement.
Professional Development & Leadership
Advance your leadership skills through tailored programs, leadership forums, and professional certificate offerings led by Penn State faculty and industry leaders.
Experiential Learning & Applied Research
Engage with top students on research projects addressing supply chain strategy, resilience, technology, and sustainability.
Programs That Connect Research and Practice
Supply Chain Leaders Forum
CSCR's signature biannual event brings mid- to C-level supply chain professionals together with Penn State Smeal faculty for peer-to-peer discussion of emerging opportunities and shifting potentials.
Supply Chain Modernization and Talent Development Symposium
Join business leaders, educators, and talent experts to discuss workforce strategy, talent pipelines, and what it takes to develop supply chain leaders today.
Unpacked: Insights Podcast
Hear conversations with supply chain executives, Penn State alumni, and faculty about the ideas, challenges, and trends shaping global supply chains.
CSCR by the Numbers
See how CSCR connects research, industry, and student success.
43
Community of Practice member organizations
70
students participating in research projects
24
Leadership Academy sprints
30+
affiliated faculty researchers
89%
Placement rate for supply chain majors and 79.5% for business analytics majors
900+
engaged students attending the fall and spring SCIS Career Fairs
Partner With CSCR
For Industry Partners
Work with CSCR to solve supply chain challenges, strengthen your talent pipeline, and collaborate with faculty and students on research that informs business practice.
For Students & Researchers
Work alongside faculty and industry professionals through applied research, corporate-sponsored projects, leadership programs, and networking opportunities.
Latest Supply Chain News
Upcoming Supply Chain Events
Build More Together
Connect with Penn State Smeal faculty, join the Community of Practice, and recruit from one of the nation's top supply chain programs. Reach out to start the conversation.
Center Leadership & Partnerships
CSCR has connected faculty, students, and industry partners for more than three decades through academic engagement and professional collaboration.
CSCR's Community of Practice brings together corporate supporters, faculty, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, inform research, develop talent, and strengthen connections between academia and industry.
The CSCR Corporate Advisory Board brings together senior supply chain leaders to help guide the center's research, educational programs, and strategic priorities while strengthening relationships with leading supply chain organizations.