Jan C. Fransoo

Jan C. Fransoo is Professor of Operations and Logistics Management at the Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University. He maintains significant affiliations with MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics as a Research Affiliate and with Technische Universiteit Eindhoven as a Visiting Professor. His research bridges academic rigor and practical application through extensive collaborations with multinational corporations, technology startups, and intergovernmental organizations including the World Bank and Interamerican Development Bank.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Production Control and Demand Management in Capacitated Flow Process Industries, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (1989-1993)
• Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (1984-1989)

Professor Fransoo's research focuses on supply chain and operations management, with pioneering work on "nanostores" - his term for the 50 million mom-and-pop stores serving populations in developing regions. He also conducts significant research in urban logistics, omnichannel retail, and human-AI collaboration in supply chain decision-making. His methodology combines model-based and empirical quantitative approaches with practical field research, often developed in close partnership with industry stakeholders across multiple continents.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward addressing real-world supply chain challenges in developing economies, particularly focusing on nanostore operations, financial constraints affecting small retailers, and the role of technology in enhancing supply chain resilience. His work consistently bridges theoretical innovation with practical applicability, as evidenced by his leadership in the Dutch national COVID-19 vaccination program deployment.

Among his notable recognitions:

• M&SOM Journal Meritorious Service Award (2016)
• Salzberg Medallion (2022)
• University Medal from Eindhoven University of Technology (2017)
• Paper selected for virtual special issue in Transportation Science (2021)

Professor Fransoo has supervised over 30 PhD students throughout his career, with current advisees researching nanostore logistics, human-AI decision making, and public health operations. His research is supported by collaborations with major organizations including ASML, ABInbev, Grupo Bimbo, and the World Bank. Notably, in 2021 he led a volunteer team that significantly accelerated the Dutch national vaccination campaign.

He actively contributes to national logistics policy through Dinalog (the Dutch Institute for Advanced Logistics) and serves on the Independent Advisory Committee for the National Mobility Vision 2050. His current research continues to explore the complex dynamics of retail supply chains in developing economies and the transformative potential of digital technologies in global logistics operations.