Exploring Supply Chain Innovation & Disruptive Design: How Lego and IKEA Use Creativity, Technology & the Human Experience to Build a Circular Economy w/ James George (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking
increases. It is no longer enough to do the same thing better.
It’s no longer enough to be efficient and solve
problems. There is no doubt that creativity is the most
important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would
be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same
patterns. (Edward de Bono) 


The concept of a circular economy is a hot topic in the midst of
COVID, not only because of its positive social,
environmental, financial impacts but also the assuring of
supply, mitigation of raw material price fluctuation, reduction
of waste, and innovative revenue streams. As circular design
ambitions grow, current advances in technology have made it
possible for companies like Lego and IKEA to lead the transition
to a circular economy. Lego is answering this
question: how do we use creativity and play to help
children reimagine and rebuild the world? And how do we engage
AFOLs (adult fans of Lego) for current design ideas?


Technology alone cannot achieve CE at scale, so what role do
humans and creativity play in the world achieving a true circular
economy?


In Episode 26, James George from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
describes the importance of purpose, leadership, courage and
risk in the Circular Economy. Using concrete examples of
ingenuity, technology, and the human experience, we unpack Lego’s
Circular & Sustainable journey “RePlay”…inspiring
bold moves through play, creativity, and powerful leadership.
IKEA is solving the wicked problem of food waste using AI,
process optimization, demand planning. They pilot circular
disruption at the store level and iterate to scale. Want to learn
more? This is the episode for you. 


Circular economy is an investment lever many companies are
pulling to weather long term disruption and
build sustainable supply chains. Human and creativity play a
role in achieving innovation at scale to build a better,
healthier planet and economy.


How do you get started?


Find James George, EllenMacArthur Foundation at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-george-20995b75/


Find us, connect, and explore at
https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/