Most transformative tech: agentic AI and robotics

In a year defined by trade turbulence, rapid innovation, and record levels of uncertainty, global supply chains are being tested like never before. From shifting tariff policies to evolving manufacturing strategies and breakthrough technologies, 2025 has challenged leaders to balance agility with long-term vision.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to unpack the current state of global supply chains and what lies ahead. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across energy, finance, and logistics, Chris shares why agility and data-driven visibility are now critical to global enterprise success.

Scott and Chris discuss how organizations are adapting to ongoing trade volatility, the growing importance of supply networks, and the technologies reshaping decision-making, from AI-driven workflows to high-dexterity robotics. They also highlight key insights from the 2026 Supply Chain Outlook, including trade liberalization trends, changes in shipping capacity, and the renewed focus on reshoring.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Introducing Chris Rogers

(02:07) Chris Rogers' background and experience

(02:48) Warm-up: technology and Meta Glasses

(04:49) Chris Rogers' professional journey

(11:51) The importance of supply networks

(13:49) Reflecting on 2025 predictions

(18:04) Tools and strategies for supply chain success

(21:09) Embracing technology in the supply chain process

(21:38) U.S.-China trade deal insights

(24:46) Key developments in shipping and logistics

(27:27) Navigating uncertainty in global supply chains

(30:48) 2026 supply chain outlook

(35:58) Future technologies transforming supply chains

Additional Links & Resources:

• Download the S&P 2026 Supply Chain Outlook Report: S&P 2026 Supply Chain Outlook Report
• Learn more about S&P Global Market Intelligence: https://www.spglobal.com/en
• Connect with Chris Rogers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrogers/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about 
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com 
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  
• Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
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This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/building-agility-2026-uncertainty-becomes-new-certainty-1511