Bart Vos joins Brightlands Institute for Supply Chain Innovation

Professor Vos is a NEVI Professor at Tilburg University. His logistics and management expertise will benefit the new institute in Venlo, where he will hold the internal Supply Chain Innovation chair. Vos will also be responsible for the MSc Global Supply Chain Management and Change, designated ‘top study programme’ in the Keuzegids Masters 2018.

“We’re thrilled to have Bart Vos”, says Professor Gaby Odekerken-Schröder, initiator of BISCI and head of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Maastricht University:

“He combines a strong scientific ambition with a passion for the practicalities of logistics and distribution facing today’s business community. ‘Paracademic’ is the word he used to describe himself, but you could also call it valorisation of scientific knowledge. In any case, his professional profile blends in perfectly with what we need in our new institute. Professor Vos also has a large educational heart that can inspire people and bring them new ideas. We are convinced that under his inspiring leadership, BISCI will soon shift to full gear."

Co-creation: a 'multi-edged sword'

Professor Vos has been working at the cutting edge of scientific theory and business practice since obtaining his doctorate 25 years ago. He believes in "passing on to industry the knowledge gained in scientific research”. He promotes co-creation with companies, so that solutions to logistical challenges emerge, as part of a ‘triple-helix’ approach which also involves government institutions. “This co-creation is a multi-edged sword, because academic education can introduce young students to logistical problems and practical solutions. At BISCI, this will involve Master's students, which is also good for companies looking for new talent.”

The Brightlands Institute for Supply Chain Innovation is a scientifically based, practical institute set up to work with entrepreneurs to innovate their logistics, operations, purchasing and marketing activities. This will also involve collaboration with other knowledge institutions and partners. The institute will be operational after the summer. It is funded by Maastricht University and the Province of Limburg. In the long run, BISCI must become self-supporting.

BISCI website