The Global Supply Chains crisis in an uncertain scenario: The EssilorLuxottica Case Study

Abstract

Undoubtedly, we have been hit by a series of severe crises and shocks in recent years: a pandemic, a war in Europe, trade conflicts, rapid increases in food and energy prices, and geopolitical tensions. We live in a volatile world, and globalization does face challenges. In view of the high volatility and uncertainty of the historical moment we are experiencing in recent years, the global approach of companies is questioned through guiding questions, leaving space for an increasingly local and regional reorganisation of production and value chains. This paper also investigates the increasingly important phenomenon of reshoring and what role it plays in reacting to the unpredictable events of global impact that we are witnessing. Following a section dedicated to the examination of recent trends shaping the supply chains of companies in contexts of global uncertainty, the case of a leading Italian global company is brought in, in contrast to the unstable scenario: EssilorLuxottica. The case is deliberately brought in this paper to demonstrate how, even in complex contexts, it is possible to prove to be an extremely resilient company thanks to a deep focus on innovation, a solid and organised structure and, finally, a strong and well-embedded corporate culture.