Reflections from the RI.Logistica Conference 2024: Driving Logistics Innovation and Shaping Future Priorities
The RI.Logistica Conference, held on December 5-6, 2024, at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, gathered industry leaders, experts, and members of the logistics community for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and forward-looking strategies. The event provided a platform to exchange ideas, present working group findings, and outline strategic goals for the years ahead.
Day 1: Unveiling New Perspectives
The conference commenced with a warm welcome from Helmut Schober, Director General of the European Spallation Source ERIC. He set the stage by emphasizing the importance of collaborative innovation in logistics. Following this, Jimmy Binderup Andersen, CEO of RI.Logistica, took the floor to present RI.Logistica’s vision and what has been done.
Helmut Schober, Director General of the European Spallation Source ERIC
The first day’s agenda was rich with presentations from key figures in the logistics sector. Highlights included:
- Ben Lewis from STFC introduced the Control Tower Working Group and showcased the group’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing supply chain visibility and centralization.
- Mathias Dollak, CEO of 4PL Central Station Group, shared valuable insights into the current and future benefits of a Logistics Control Tower, demonstrating how it enables more efficient and transparent operations.
- Cassandra Waad from ESS presented on the Environment Working Group, focusing on sustainability efforts and the reduction of environmental impact within logistics.
- Jens Carlsson, Senior Supply Chain Analyst at 4PL Central Station Nordic AB, discussed the crucial topic of transport-generated greenhouse gas emissions and how increased visibility can support emission reductions.
- Jonas Gyllenhak, Senior Vice President at Marsh Sweden AB, concluded the day by addressing transit and storage risks and presenting the RI.Logistica insurance solution, which aims to safeguard members’ supply chain operations.
The day ended with a lively networking session over mulled wine (“glögg”) and a shared dinner, giving participants the chance to connect and build collaborative relationships.
Jonas Gyllenhak, Senior Vice President at Marsh Sweden AB
Cassandra Waad, Logistic Project Manager
Participants day 1
Day 2: Shaping the Future of Logistics
The second day opened with a motivating address from Jan Lundin, the newly appointed CEO of RI.Logistica, who outlined the organization’s strategic goals for 2025. His speech emphasized the importance of adaptability and innovation, with sustainability and operational excellence at the heart of the strategy.
Jan Lundin, the newly appointed CEO
Jan Lundin, the newly appointed CEO
The day’s agenda continued with several working group presentations and expert guest speakers, including:
- Elodie Aurelie Carlat from CERN, who presented on the Customs Working Group, sharing updates on customs-related projects and initiatives.
- Bosse Jarestig, Senior Customs Consultant at Gerlach Sweden AB, tackled the topic of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), along with customs reform and its implications for the sector. His analysis of regulatory shifts from Swedish Customs, DG Taxud (EU), and WCO was particularly relevant for members navigating new compliance landscapes.
- Joakim Nielsen, Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor and CEO of DGM Sweden, addressed the complex topic of logistics for dangerous goods. His session provided practical advice on managing regulatory challenges and mitigating risks.
- Claes Dahlqvist and Ted Roth from AEB Sverige concluded the working group presentations by focusing on export control and AEB services, highlighting the importance of compliance and export regulation management.
Finally, Jörgen Larsson, Chair of RI.Logistica, provided a summary of the conference, reflecting on the collective learnings and insights shared throughout the event. His closing remarks underscored the importance of continued cooperation, knowledge exchange, and preparation for the future.
Elodie Aurelie Carlat from CERN
Bosse Jarestig, Senior Customs Consultant at Gerlach Sweden AB
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead to 2025
The RI.Logistica Conference 2024 achieved its goal of fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic alignment among members. Key takeaways included:
- Sustainability is a priority: With presentations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally friendly practices, it was clear that sustainable logistics will remain a critical focus for the coming years.
- Digitalization and transparency are essential: The value of control towers and digital tracking systems was reinforced as a means of improving visibility and operational efficiency.
- Customs and regulatory compliance will shape the future: With new CBAM regulations and evolving customs rules, members gained important insights into staying ahead of regulatory changes.
- Risk management is non-negotiable: From transit risks to insurance solutions, safeguarding supply chains against unforeseen disruptions remains a key focus for the RI.Logistica community.
The event concluded with a sense of shared purpose and a clear roadmap for 2025. The conference created momentum for deeper collaboration between member organizations, working groups, and industry experts. By leveraging the insights shared at this event, RI.Logistica is well-positioned to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The conference not only fostered meaningful discussions but also served as a catalyst for future projects, new partnerships, and enhanced operational excellence.
