RMIT urges Vic Govt to address supply chain weaknesses

RMIT’s Blockchain Innovation Hub has urged the Victorian Government to explore the use of blockchain and other advanced technologies to help shore up vulnerabilities in Melbourne’s supply chains.

In a new report, the university argued that blockchain and NFTs, as well as AI, drones and autonomous vehicles, are the keys to addressing the supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic.

The report, co-authored by RMIT’s Centre for Cyber Security Research & Innovation and the Digital Ethnography Research Centre, also includes research opportunities and policy recommendations for building more resilient and just supply chains towards a digital CBD for Melbourne.

Report co-author Dr Tharuka Rupasinghe from RMIT’s Blockchain Innovation Hub said the key to resolving disruptions to Melbourne’s supply chains is integrating digitalisation.

“Melbourne needs resilient supply chains that respond to shocks and threats with the ability to adapt to changing conditions. The city has the potential to be a testbed for autonomous vehicles and to develop a blockchain pilot,” she said.

The report calls on the Victorian Government to create a based supply chain pilot targeting a specific industry, with RMIT suggesting the construction industry.

Meanwhile NFTs can be used as digital twins to mitigate against fraud, theft and loss, while standardising supply chain cybersecurity requirements would support cyber resilience and mitigate against risks when operationalising emerging technologies, the report argues.

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