Fredrik Lindblad

My research, conducted in my role as Associate Professor at Linnaeus University, focuses on the digital and circular transformation of supply chains in the built environment, with particular emphasis on wood-based construction systems. I investigate how artificial intelligence, data-driven technologies, and governance mechanisms can enable resource efficiency, circularity, and system-level change across complex and multi-actor value chains. My work integrates perspectives from supply chain management, circular economy, and industrial ecosystems, with a growing focus on how sustainability can be operationalized through digitalization and strategic coordination.

Holding a Ph.D. from Linnaeus University, my academic expertise spans supply chain management, forest-based industrial systems, and sustainable urban development. I maintain an extensive publication record, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and industry-oriented reports, and have successfully secured competitive research funding from EU programs and Swedish research agencies. My research increasingly contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on digital circularity, system integration, and the transformation of construction-related supply chains.

Beyond academia, I have over 20 years of industry experience in supply chain management, focusing on strategic and operational challenges in sales, business transformation, program management, business process improvement, and change management. I have held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including positions at the Swedish Department of Commerce, Danzas, DHL, and as the Global Head of Supply Chain at Aramex, where I managed an organization of up to 2,500 employees across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

In addition to research and industry experience, I have managed and developed complex projects with multiple stakeholders from the public sector, business community, and academia. I also hold several board-level commitments and engage in international consultancy, advising governments, governmental organizations, NGOs, and non-profits on strategic projects.

My expertise is further enriched by my training in Design Thinking at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, where I gained deep insights into human-centered innovation, problem-solving methodologies, and creative strategies for tackling complex challenges. This knowledge plays a key role in my approach to research, strategy development, and cross-sector collaboration.

Overall, my work is driven by a strong ambition to bridge academic rigor with real-world impact, advancing innovation and sustainability at the intersection of digitalization, circular economy, and global supply chain transformation.