Cardiff Business School launches ambitious new research centre

Cardiff Business School has opened a new research centre focusing on leading in procurement and supply chain management in public, private and third sectors.

The Centre of Public Value Procurement will create an environment where collegiality, inclusivity and participation are key to its success.

Shaped by research, executive teaching, a series of workshops, and procurement and supply chain mentoring, the centre aims to generate sustainable economic development alongside social and environmental improvement.

Led by Professor Jane Lynch, leaders from all sectors attended the launch event at sbarc|spark building, the university’s innovation campus development.

On the launch of the centre, Professor Lynch said, “The opening of the centre is an important milestone and one of the first opportunities to showcase the vast opportunities to collaborate between the university and industry.

“Conversations were rich, and we were delighted to hear such positivity in the room.

Professor of Governance and Development Kevin Morgan welcomed guests, explaining how research at Cardiff University is expanding at pace.

His keynote highlighted how sustainability, social value and innovation are at the core of the centre’s ethos, applied to health and social care, food and construction.

Professor Morgan added:

Keynote addresses were also delivered by Fiona Wood, Group Head of Learning and Standards for Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, and Stephen Blakey, Commercial Projects Director for Network Rail.

Mrs Wood commented on how a collaborative effort can drive greater recognition of the measures, outcomes and real-life improvements that a commitment to social value and sustainability can offer.

Mr Blakey echoed this while underlining the importance of culture, through the power of collaborative leadership.

Concluding the development, Professor Lynch said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought procurement and supply chain management to the forefront of enquiry both for academics and practitioners worldwide which makes this the right time to launch our centre.

“Through the centre the university is committed to raising the profile of procurement that goes far beyond achieving economic value to address digital, societal, and environmental challenges.

“It’ll provide us with opportunities to develop new research and nurture the future leaders in procurement and supply chain professionals.”

Find out more about the Centre of Public Value Procurement.