Director of Global Supply Chain Observatory Lab
University of Cambridge
Dr. Mukesh Kumar is an Associate Professor in Operations Management, the Director of the Global Supply Chain Observatory Lab, and the Head of the Industrial Resilience Research Group at the University of Cambridge. He holds a PhD in Risk in Production Networks from the University of Cambridge, along with an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce. Since 2003, Dr. Kumar has developed an impressive academic and professional profile, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and global supply chains.
Dr. Kumar held positions such as University Lecturer in Operations Management and research associate, where his work centered on sustainability and supply chain resilience. Prior to his academic career, he gained valuable industry experience as a Senior Analyst at an investment bank in Mumbai, India, and as a Corporate Finance Analyst at AWR Lloyds in Bangkok, Thailand. His teaching portfolio spans a wide range of subjects, including supply chain risk management, procurement, organisational behaviour, and managing people, reflecting his expertise in both technical and behavioural aspects of operations management. In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Kumar has held significant appointments such as Chair of Examiners for the Manufacturing Engineering Tripos and Co-leader of the Inclusive Manufacturing Research Theme. He has been involved with prestigious panels and committees, including the Food Standards Agency, UK.
Building Transparency in Critical Mineral Supply Chains: The Ongoing Global Critical Mineral Supply Chain Observatory Project
This presentation highlights the ongoing Global Critical Mineral Supply Chain Observatory project, based at the University of Cambridge, and its crucial role in promoting transparency within critical mineral supply chains. As one of the largest developing data infrastructures, it is providing key capabilities such as comprehensive supply chain mapping using big data, stress testing against geopolitical and environmental risks, and tracking greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity impacts. The Observatory’s first initiative, the UK-India Critical Mineral Supply Chain Observatory, focuses on critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel. As the project progresses, it is emerging as a powerful tool for Europe, offering enhanced supply chain visibility, resilience, and sustainability. By serving as a growing data infrastructure for research and policy-making, it is helping to de-risk supply chains, support regulatory compliance, and inform sustainable practices. This presentation illustrates how the Observatory can empower Europe to build secure and responsible critical mineral supply chains, crucial for future collaboration and growth.
