Leveraging structural complexity to enable a lean supply base

The Zero Carbon Humber (ZCH) project, formed to create the UK’s largest decarbonised industrial cluster, requires a robust and lean supply base, which must meet the complex requirements for building a blue hydrogen production plant, including Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS). This study addresses the theoretical challenges of optimising supplier selection within a complex, dependency-prone network. The research examines the structural complexity of the supply base network, to assess dependency risks and inform decision makers of the ideal configuration of suppliers. Findings reveal areas of high dependency on certain suppliers for critical components, highlighting the need to expand the supply base. Furthermore, the study suggests that a carefully managed supplier network can balance lean efficiency with robustness, supporting the scalability required for the ZCH project’s long-term sustainability. The insights offer practical implications for policymakers and supply chain managers aiming to mitigate risks within complex industrial ecosystems.