UB secures more than $1 million in federal funding for cross-border supply chains

The flow of goods across the U.S.-Canada border has long shaped the economic identity of Western New York. Now, a new initiative spearheaded by the School of Management’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics is positioning the region to compete more effectively in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

Backed by $1.03 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Tim Kennedy, the Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains represents a strategic investment in both regional growth and experiential education.

“Our region’s future is intrinsically linked to its relationship with Canada, and we cannot afford to let that opportunity languish,” Kennedy said. “With roughly 60% of Canada’s population within 500 miles of the City of Good Neighbors, and with tens of billions of dollars crossing the Niagara every year, it’s critical that we strengthen our ties with our Canadian neighbors to create good-paying local jobs and ensure the long-term viability of our region’s economy.

“I’m excited to see the results that the bright minds at UB can achieve, and I look forward to building more connections with our Canadian friends.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Kennedy, the University at Buffalo is advancing cross-border supply chains that are vital to Western New York’s economy,” said President Satish K. Tripathi. “By leveraging our world-class research, advanced analytics and the ingenuity of our faculty and students, we can translate knowledge into practical solutions that enhance manufacturing and foster robust economic growth.

“This federal support enables UB to deepen our collaboration with companies navigating complex networks, further reinforcing our region as a hub of innovation in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” Tripathi said.

At its core, the initiative will help small- and medium-sized businesses navigate the challenges of cross-border trade, from shifting tariffs to supply chain disruptions. Faculty-led, student-supported teams will work directly with companies to analyze global supply networks, assess cost structures and develop localized strategies rooted in Western New York’s strengths. By pairing academic expertise with real-world application, the center reflects the School of Management’s commitment to engaging for impact and preparing students to solve complex business challenges.

The timing is critical. Trade between the U.S. and Canada remains a powerful economic driver, with billions of dollars moving across the Niagara River each month.

“In today’s volatile global supply chains, small businesses face challenges in choosing the best mix of domestic sourcing, imports and export opportunities to maintain profitability while also enabling local economic growth,” said Ananth Iyer, dean of the School of Management. “We appreciate the federal investment in a cross-border center that will provide data-driven insights and practical solutions to help companies make informed decisions while strengthening the regional economy.”

This effort also advances several of the School of Management’s strategic initiatives, particularly in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and the application of analytics to real-world problems. By leveraging advanced tools such as UB’s Empire AI and drawing on faculty expertise in supply chain management, the initiative transforms research into action. Students gain hands-on experience working with companies facing real constraints, while businesses benefit from cutting-edge analysis that might otherwise be out of reach.

Beyond the classroom, the center underscores UB’s broader role as an anchor institution committed to community impact. By helping businesses explore reshoring opportunities and strengthen domestic manufacturing, the initiative contributes to job creation and long-term economic resilience. It also reinforces Western New York’s position as a gateway to international trade, where proximity to Canada becomes a competitive advantage rather than a logistical hurdle.

Regional leaders see this as a forward-looking investment in the area’s future. Strengthening cross-border partnerships, supporting local firms and building more resilient supply chains all play a role in ensuring sustained economic growth. For UB and the School of Management, the center represents more than a research initiative: It is a tangible example of how higher education can drive meaningful change by connecting knowledge, talent and community needs.

Milind Sohoni, faculty director of the Center for Supply Chain Analytics, and Jennifer Flagg, executive director, give specific examples of this type of engagement.

“We are currently leading initiatives in sea cargo logistics,” Sohoni said. “Our team is decoding container pricing across commodities to bring greater transparency and efficiency to global maritime trade.”

Added Flagg: “This initiative also aligns closely with our work on the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub project. In both cases, by combining faculty expertise and student talent with the great work already underway by local resources providers, we can elevate awareness of the opportunities available to businesses and better connect them to the broader support network.”

As global supply chains continue to evolve, initiatives like this one will be essential in helping regions adapt and thrive. By aligning academic resources with industry challenges, UB is creating a model for how institutions can lead with purpose while delivering measurable impact close to home.