Supply Chain Leaders Prioritize AI and Proven Tech Amid Inflation and Labor Pressures
Event summary
- Kenco's 2026 Innovation Report reveals 45% of respondents cite inflation as their primary innovation driver.
- 83% of companies have a dedicated 2026 innovation budget, with 49% allocating at least $500,000.
- 42% of respondents favor established technologies over emerging solutions.
- 37% of companies rely on 3PL partners for strategy, implementation, funding, and operations.
The big picture
Kenco's report highlights a strategic shift in supply chain innovation, where companies are moving beyond experimentation to focus on cost-effective, scalable solutions. This trend reflects broader industry dynamics, including rising operational costs, labor shortages, and the accelerating digital transformation of logistics. The emphasis on proven technologies and collaborative innovation models underscores the need for reliability and strategic partnerships in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape.
What we're watching
- Innovation Paradox
- How companies will balance the need for innovation with cost constraints and inflation pressures.
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Whether supply chain leaders can overcome organizational misalignment to implement innovation effectively.
- 3PL Partnerships
- The pace at which companies will increase reliance on 3PLs for strategic insights and execution.