Yingli Wang

Professor Yingli Wang is a Professor in Logistics and Operations Management and serves as Pro-Dean for Research, Impact and Innovation at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. She is an active researcher and supervisor, with a strong focus on digital transformation in supply chains. Her work is supported by major funding bodies including EPSRC, ERDF, Welsh Government, Highways England, and the Department for Transport.

Education:

• PhD in Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff University (2008)
• MBA in IT with Distinction, Coventry University (2003)
• BSc in Food Manufacturing, China (1995)

Professor Wang’s research centers on the integration of emerging digital technologies—particularly blockchain, AI, IoT, 5G, and cloud computing—into logistics and supply chain systems to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. She explores how these technologies can be applied in maritime logistics, construction supply chains, and smart ports. Her work extends beyond traditional business contexts to address societal challenges, especially food poverty and health inequality, through innovative supply chain models such as community food redistribution systems. She is a key member of the South Wales Food Poverty Alliance and led the launch of Wales’ first Your local Pantr y social enterprise.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward blockchain applications in supply chains, digital material passports, BIM integration, and the role of 5G in enabling smart logistics. She has co-edited two influential books: E-Logistics: Managing Your Digital Supply Chains for Competitive Advantage (2nd ed., 2021) and the open-access Digital Supply Chain Transformation: Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Growth (2022).

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• James Cooper Memorial Cup (2009, CILT) for inventing Electronic Logistics Marketplaces
• 2020 Innovation and Impact Awards for work on food poverty
• Chartered Member, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Professor Wang collaborates extensively with industry partners such as Tesco, ASDA, BT, Tata Steel, and CEVA Logistics. She advises the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution on blockchain deployment and is a founding member of the Blockchain Connected Council in Wales. She has delivered blockchain masterclasses and webinars for global audiences and contributed white papers to the World Economic Forum. Her research on digital supply chains has informed policy and practice, including a guide on accelerating BIM adoption for Highways England and a foresight report for the UK Government Office for Science.

Labs and Research Initiatives:

• Principal Investigator, Blockchain-Powered Digital Material/Product Passport: Accelerating Supply Chain Net Zero Goals (UKRI Innovation Launchpad)
• Key contributor to the development of the world’s first comprehensive blockchain deployment toolkit for supply chains
• Active in the Cardiff Business School research ecosystem, leading on digital innovation and societal impact projects