Photo: University at Buffalo | Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Western New York’s proximity to Canada is a major economic asset. Every day, goods and materials move between the U.S. and Canada, shaping the region’s manufacturing and logistics landscape.
A new initiative by the University at Buffalo School of Management’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics is helping the region build on that advantage while advancing the priorities of the NY SMART I-Corridor.
With more than $1 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Tim Kennedy, the University at Buffalo is expanding its work in cross-border supply chains, supporting small and mid-sized businesses as they implement reshoring strategies and strengthen manufacturing across the region.
“Our region’s future is intrinsically linked to its relationship with Canada,” Congressman Kennedy said in an announcement of the funding. “It’s critical that we strengthen our ties to create good-paying jobs and ensure the long-term viability of our region’s economy.”
This initiative strengthens one of the core focus areas of the NY SMART I-Corridor: The Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN). SCAN is building more resilient and efficient supply chains that support advanced manufacturing and regional competitiveness by connecting businesses directly with university-led research and analytics, while also providing access to technical assistance, capital, and strategic matchmaking to help firms enter, expand, and compete within the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
Visit our Supply Chain Opportunity Guide to explore how your business can plug into New York’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
Companies will work alongside faculty and students to better understand supply chain risks, costs, and opportunities tied to cross-border trade, while also building stronger connections to the region’s broader network of support.
“By combining faculty expertise and student talent with the great work already underway by local resource providers, we can elevate awareness of the opportunities available to businesses and better connect them to the broader support network,” said Jennifer Flagg, NY SMART I-Corridor SCAN project lead and executive director of UB’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics.
As global trade continues to evolve, investments like this position Western New York to compete and grow while reinforcing its role within the NY SMART I-Corridor as a hub for cross-border innovation.
Interested in getting connected with a member of our SCAN team? Click here.