Penn State Smeal hosts Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Collective

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. –– The Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research hosted the inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Special Interest Collective on Nov. 11, bringing together 40 business leaders and academics to explore AI applications in supply chain management.

"This collective represents an important step in our mission to bridge theoretical advancements with practical industry applications," said Donna Palumbo, executive director of the Center for Supply Chain Research. "By fostering these collaborative discussions, we are helping organizations navigate the transformative potential of AI in supply chain operations."

The day-long event featured eight sessions and 12 featured speakers from various supply chain sectors. Penn State Smeal alumnus Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, delivered the morning keynote on the AI Revolution and technologies stocks. Ives, who launched Smeal’s first Dan and Robyn Ives AI Innovation Day & Case Competition in the spring of 2025, continues his strong support of Smeal programs and initiatives.

Subsequent sessions explored AI software strategies, work sessions around practical use of AI data analysis and how this emerging technology is impacting warehouse operations. Faculty from the Supply Chain & Information Systems Department demonstrated thought leadership and presented sessions training large language models (LLMs) for process optimization, improving firms’ AI savvy and demonstrated use cases of Agentic AI.

"The convergence of AI and supply chain management represents one of the most significant opportunities for operational transformation in decades," said Kevin Linderman, chair of the Supply Chain & Information Systems Department. "Our faculty are at the forefront of developing frameworks that help organizations implement these technologies responsibly and effectively."

This event aligns with the Penn State Smeal College of Business’s comprehensive AI initiative which integrates artificial intelligence across teaching, research and operations while emphasizing AI fluency, ethical awareness and critical thinking throughout its programs.