For more than five decades, the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has shaped the future of global supply chains — advancing research, education, and industry engagement that turn ideas into impact.
Who we are
MIT CTL is a global hub for supply chain innovation — where rigorous research, real-world challenges, and bold thinking come together. Founded in 1973 and based in the top-ranked MIT School of Engineering, we bring researchers, students, and industry leaders into close collaboration to tackle the most complex problems facing supply chains today.
We also anchor the MIT Global Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Network, extending our research, education, and industry partnerships across four continents. This global ecosystem allows us to pair MIT’s depth and rigor with international reach and on-the-ground relevance.
Our community includes:
- 80+ researchers and faculty spanning engineering, analytics, and systems thinking
- 150+ corporate partners collaborating on applied research and innovation
- 170+ graduate students each year immersed in hands-on problem solving
- 1,900+ alumni worldwide leading across industry, government, and academia
What we do
At MIT CTL, we don’t just study supply chains — we advance what’s possible. Our work connects theory and practice through three tightly integrated pillars that turn insight into action:
Research
We develop new models, methods, and data-driven insights to address real supply chain challenges — from resilience and risk to digital transformation and sustainability.
Education
We prepare the next generation of supply chain leaders through world-leading graduate programs, executive education, and online learning — combining analytical rigor with hands-on application.
Engagement
We work side by side with companies, governments, and NGOs to apply research in practice, co-create solutions, and accelerate impact across global supply networks.
