Empowering Frontlines 2025

Methodology Insights contributionsThe insights featured in this paper have been collected through two distinct processes. First, through visits to Global Lighthouse Network sites. Sites apply to the World Economic Forum’s flagship initiative, the Global Lighthouse Network, with the goal of earning a “Lighthouse” with distinction in one of five categories: productivity, customer centricity, supply chain resilience, sustainability or talent. After a rigorous pre-screening process, in-person site visits are conducted to validate use cases and impact. A report on each site visit is presented to an independent expert panel that votes on the Lighthouse awards. Sites include lighthouse awardees as well as other high-performing sites from the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains network. The insights extracted from this method are referred to as case studies in this white paper. The second source of insights is the Frontline Talent of the Future Community. The community includes senior executives, C-suite leadership and academics with notable expertise in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Community members submitted the talent innovations that they have implemented successfully, along with data illustrating the associated outcomes and impact; these are referred as community insights throughout the paper. The authors of this paper extend their thanks to the companies and sites that have shared perspectives on the positive impact of talent-focused initiatives – including valuable lessons emerging from their processes. Haier – Chongqing, China Hisensehitachi – Qingdao, China Intenseye Lenovo – Monterrey, Mexico Mahindra & MahindraMenzies Aviation Mettler Toledo – Changzhou, China Midea – Si Racha, Thailand Unilever – Pouso Alegre, Brazil Western Digital – Prachinburi, Thailand Empowering Frontlines 16