Is a significant transformation of the prevailing model of global supply chains truly necessary? For the approximately 150 researchers who attended the 12th edition of the EurOMA Sustainability Forum, the answer is “yes”.
The concern was almost unanimous, and the discussions at the meeting emphasised the urgency of change, “promoting regenerative and collaborative practices that address contemporary environmental and social challenges”, explained Ricardo Zimmermann, researcher at INESC TEC. Over the course of four days, the EurOMA Sustainability Forum focused on the development of regenerative operations and supply chains, disruptive sustainability practices, decarbonisation and the circular economy.
Rethinking the current dominant linear global model of supply and demand and fostering the discussion on new and better ways to manage relationships and resources to address contemporary challenges, were the main objectives of EurOMA; in this sense, reducing the environmental impact of the event has been an increasing concern. Organised by INESC TEC and Porto Business School, the 12th edition of the Forum took place online, which only increased the interest of 150 researchers and students from 26 countries.
Being involved in and organising an event as significant as the EurOMA Sustainability Forum, which brings together the community of the leading European association in the field of operations management, is, according to Ricardo Zimmermann, extremely positive “It translates into several benefits, like strengthening INESC TEC’s international academic visibility and consolidating strategic partnerships with researchers in the field.”
In addition, “the participants presented concepts that challenge traditional approaches, such as the transition from eco-efficient networks to eco-effective communities and the use of disruptive practices to make value chains more sustainable”, explained the researcher.
The truth is that it is a crucial meeting to look at sustainability in a strategic way in the operations of companies and create a positive impact on both organisations and society. Ricardo Zimmermann mentioned that the event promoted “an environment for the exchange of knowledge and debates on emerging themes, fostering future collaborations and joint projects”, while “reinforcing the institutional commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning the organisation as a reference in the design of practical and theoretical solutions to global challenges”.
The opening session was attended by João Claro, Chairman of the Board of Directors of INESC TEC, José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, and Cristina Gimenes Thomsen, President of EurOMA.
The event returns to Porto in 2026, this time to the facilities of Porto Business School.
The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC.
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