The need to attract and retain the best possible supply-chain talent is more important than ever before. So why doesn't executive awareness of the problem lead to substantive action and investment? Ken Chadwick, principal research analyst with Gartner, explains.

Recently, I have been speaking about the global supply chain talent shortage in countries with over a 30-percent unemployment rate. The discussion of the lack of supply chain talent in countries where the attendees are struggling to find high-paying jobs feels awkward. For many, it almost seems surreal. They are fighting so hard for jobs for their families and friends. They are consumed by the fight. To hear someone talking about a talent gap in a field of high-paying jobs with good benefits is difficult for them to conceive. But, it is true.