To tackle these challenges, we need new knowledge. Solutions often stem from a variety of disciplines, including business strategy, supply chain management, logistics, digital technology and sustainability. Greater strategic autonomy and resilience can contribute to a future-proof, circular economy. This could involve using scarce raw materials more wisely, extending the life cycle of products, and collaborating more effectively within supply chains and networks, for example.
Dr Chrisoula Papadopoulou has been appointed Professor of Strategic Autonomy and Resilience. She will develop practical knowledge, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While these businesses play a key role in production chains, they are often dependent on other parties and sometimes lack the necessary knowledge and resources. Furthermore, due to their smaller size, SMEs are at least as vulnerable as larger organisations.
Dr Papadopoulou is currently a leading lecturer and programme director for the Master's in International Supply Chain Management at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. She will combine her role in the research group with her work as a leading lecturer. Papadopoulou has international experience in both the business world and education. She has previously worked at Webster University in Leiden and at Nike. She obtained her PhD from the University of Glasgow. She is the chair of the Benelux chapter of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, as well as being a member of its international research committee.
Arjen van Klink, Director of the Business Innovation Research Centre, said, 'With Chrisoula, we are bringing in someone with extensive knowledge of supply chain management. This is a key component of strategic autonomy. Our researchers at the Business Innovation Research Centre will be able to establish substantive links with her research group. We are looking forward to new collaborations!'
Hanneke Reuling, Research Portfolio Holder on the Executive Board of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, said, ‘It is great that we can also appoint professors from within our own ranks. This demonstrates that research offers excellent career prospects for our staff and enables us to integrate research and education more effectively. Chrisoula’s appointment is also an investment in research within our master's programmes’.