HOPE is an applied research project dedicated to advancing human-algorithm collaboration to realize the full potential of automated decision-making in supply chain management, leveraging optimization techniques and artificial intelligence (AI). The project aims to significantly alleviate the burden on human planners. While many existing algorithms are developed to fully replace human decision-makers, practical applications in supply chain management typically involve human oversight to incorporate tacit or experiential knowledge. AI systems oriented toward full automation often lack the necessary design features for intuitive human interaction. Increasingly, it is acknowledged that the benefits of supply chain automation can only be fully realized through the integration of algorithms into systems that are informed by a deep understanding of human users. This necessitates the development of well-functioning socio-technical systems that prioritize human-centered technological design. HOPE seeks to facilitate the human-centric implementation of AI and automated processes through the development of supply chain co-pilots, ensuring meaningful and effective involvement of human workers. In doing so, the project promotes the efficient use of labor resources and supports sustained economic growth in the face of mounting labor shortages.
