Prologis report addresses how supply chain executives embrace AI and regionalization to boost resilience for 2026 and beyond

A recent report issued by San Francisco-based real estate investment trust Prologis took a close look at ways in which shippers are viewing, or rethinking supply chains, with a forward-looking focus over the next decade.

The report, entitled “2026 Prologis Supply Chain Outlook,” was based on feedback from more than 1,800 senior executive throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Mexico, and was released at the company’s Groundbreakers event, which was held in Los Angeles.

A key theme of the report observed how global supply chain leaders are orchestrating a fundamental transformation that is being paced by AI, regional self-sufficiency, and energy resilience as what it called core operational pillars. Calling it “The Great Recalibration,” Prologis said this speaks to an optimistic, but also strategically cautious industry. And, to that end, it noted that 82% of respondents are optimistic about 2026 performance but are also implementing “sweeping” changes, including: 56% having deployed new technology; 50% have installed risk monitoring systems; and 48% have installed safety stock in response to certain disruptions.

“The survey suggests that leaders are optimistic about 2026, but persistent supply chain disruptions mean resilience matters just as much as efficiency,” said Melinda McLaughlin, Global Head of Research for Prologis. “New technology and risk monitoring systems can improve both resilience and efficiency, while safety stock positions companies to be able to withstand cost volatility and disruptions to the flow of goods. The overall driving force is the need for supply chain flexibility, productivity, and visibility in a more unpredictable world.”

Another key finding indicated that 58% of respondents said that they are focused on more regionalized supply chains by 2030.  

McLaughlin explained that regionalization allows for a more resilient and responsive supply chain by decreasing the distance between production and consumption, with a side benefit of diversifying sourcing, adding, however, that shifting manufacturing or sourcing is not generally quick or easy.

“Companies must find locations with the right talent, supplier networks and infrastructure, as well as cost structure to successfully build or augment their existing supply chain,” she said. “This is where energy comes in. With more upstream shifts happening today across industries, competition for the right real estate in attractive production and distribution locations can cause demand to run ahead of infrastructure growth, which typically has long planning horizons and complex regulatory processes. Given the focus in this area and our observed trends on the ground in places like the border in Mexico and Eastern Europe, it was not surprising to see it shoot up the list.”

Addressing AI, 70% of the report’s respondents said they are leveraging the technology, in the form of advanced or transformational AI adoption, paced by quality control and risk identification

“AI is being operationalized in real time, with new applied use cases being tested across the supply chains,” said McLaughlin. “Gains are widespread, but many are targeting operational efficiency, the use of AI to perform existing tasks better and faster. Examples include quality control, route optimization and risk identification. As we look forward, executives expect AI to drive most supply chain decisions across logistics, procurement, and inventory management by 2030, according to the survey.”

When asked what can companies do to effectively counter concerns related to energy reliability and energy resilience, given that nearly nine in 10 companies reportedly faced energy-related disruptions last year, while only 27% have advanced backup systems.

“Fortunately, there are readily available solutions,” said McLaughlin. “Companies should partner with local municipalities to upgrade infrastructure, diversify with onsite generation and/or storage, and factor energy reliability into site selection.”