Dr. Yossi Sheffi is an academic, author, entrepreneur and thought leader in engineering systems. He is the Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL) and the Elisha Gray II Professor, where he focuses on systems optimization, risk management, and supply chain operations. Dr Sheffi has authored influential books on management, including "The New (Ab)Normal" and "A Shot in the Arm." His new book, "The Magic Conveyor Belt," explores the future of supply chains and automation.

A life dedicated to academia, Dr. Yossi Sheffi holds a Bachelor's degree from Technion, Israel Institute of Technology and a PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) both in Civil Engineering. He has been involved in MIT since 1975, and under Dr. Sheffi's guidance, the MIT CTL has launched pioneering programs. These include the MIT Master of Engineering in Logistics program, established in 1998, and the MITx MicroMasters program in supply chain management, which has attracted over a million registrants since its inception in 2016. He has also consulted for government agencies and global enterprises, combining academic expertise with practical industry insights.

As a researcher,  he is the author of a textbook: Urban Transportation Networks: Equilibrium Analysis with Mathematical Programming Methods (1985) and six management books. His latest book is “The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I. And The Future Of Work” which was published in April 2023. The book focuses on global supply chains and is an exploration of one of the most critical and complex systems of our modern economy.

Additionally, he is a serial entrepreneur, having successfully founded and led five companies, including LogiCorp; PTCG; e-Chemicals; Logistics.com; and Syncra Systems. All of them were later acquired by larger organisations.

Residing in Boston, Massachusetts, he continues to shape the field through his research, education, and industry collaborations.

Dr. Yossi Sheffi is an esteemed academic and thought leader in the field of engineering systems. He holds the prestigious Elisha Gray II Professorship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and serves as the Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL). With a focus on systems optimization, risk management, and supply chain operations, Dr. Sheffi conducts groundbreaking research and imparts his knowledge to students at MIT and other leading institutions worldwide.

An accomplished author, Dr. Sheffi has written numerous influential books on management, including notable works such as "The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond Covid-19" (2020) and "A Shot in the Arm: How Science, Engineering, and Supply Chains Converged to Vaccinate the World" (2021). His forthcoming book, "The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and The Future of Work," released in April 2023, offer fresh insights into the evolving landscape of supply chains and automation.

Under Dr. Sheffi's guidance, the MIT CTL has achieved remarkable milestones, launching groundbreaking programs and initiatives. These include the MIT Master of Engineering in Logistics program, established in 1998, and the widely acclaimed MITx MicroMasters program in supply chain management, which has attracted over a million registrants since its inception in 2016. Dr. Sheffi's leadership and dedication to advancing education and industry collaboration have cemented MIT CTL's reputation as a global hub for supply chain excellence.

Dr. Sheffi's influence extends beyond academia through his consulting work with government agencies and prominent global enterprises in the manufacturing, retail, and transportation sectors. Additionally, he is a serial entrepreneur, having successfully founded and led five companies, including LogiCorp; PTCG; e-Chemicals; Logistics.com; and Syncra Systems. All of them were later acquired by larger organizations. His expertise and captivating speaking style have made him a sought-after speaker at corporate and professional events worldwide.

Dr. Sheffi's academic journey includes earning a B.Sc. from the Technion in Israel (1975), an S.M. from MIT (1977), and a Ph.D. from MIT (1978). Currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Sheffi continues to inspire and shape the field of engineering systems through his remarkable contributions to research, education, and industry innovation.

Published Works

- The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond Covid-19, Self-Published · Oct 1, 2020

- Balancing Green: When to Embrace Sustainability in a Business (and When Not To) MIT Press · Jan 1, 2018

- The Power of Resilience: How the Best Companies Manage the Unexpected MIT Press · Sep 24, 2015

- Logistics Clusters: Delivering Value and Driving Growth MIT Press · Oct 1, 2012

- The Resilient Enterprise: Overcoming Vulnerability for Competitive Advantage MIT Press · Sep 15, 2005

- Urban Transportation Networks: Equilibrium Analysis with Mathematical Programming methods Prentice hall · Sep 15, 1985

Dr. Sheffi envisions a future where supply chains are seamlessly integrated, leveraging technology, data analytics, and innovative strategies to drive operational excellence. He recognizes the critical role that supply chains play in today's interconnected global economy and seeks to empower organizations with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of modern logistics.

One of Dr. Sheffi's key focuses is on resilience in supply chains. He believes that by building resilient supply chains, organizations can effectively respond to disruptions, whether they are caused by natural disasters, geopolitical events, or other unforeseen circumstances. He advocates for proactive risk management, contingency planning, and the adoption of agile and adaptable strategies to ensure continuity and minimize disruptions.

In addition to resilience, Dr. Sheffi emphasizes the importance of sustainability in supply chain management. He advocates for environmentally responsible practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and minimize the carbon footprint of supply chains. He encourages organizations to embrace circular economy principles, promote ethical sourcing, and collaborate with partners to achieve sustainability goals.

Dr. Sheffi's vision also encompasses the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. He believes in the value of industry-academic partnerships, where academia and practitioners work together to develop innovative solutions and address the challenges faced by supply chains. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, he aims to drive continuous improvement and advance the field of supply chain management.