Episode 151: The importance of data with Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠

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In this episode, we are joined by Maria Clara Sayeg from the World Economic Forum to discuss the transformative impact of AI and data on modern supply chains and how its role creates a responsive and transparent supply chain. We will discuss the importance of real-time data and the need for cross-industry collaboration. The episode also addresses future trends in manufacturing, focusing on autonomous systems, circular resource flows, and augmented workforce capabilities.

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Guest: Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro

Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro is an industrial AI strategist and product builder who's spent the last decade at the intersection of management consulting and technology, first at DuPont Sustainable Solutions, where she led engagements across industrial clients and built a global SaaS portfolio, and now at the World Economic Forum, where she leads AI and Data Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains.

With a background spanning four languages, an Executive MBA from EPFL, and deployments across 190+ industrial sites globally, Maria brings a rare mix of strategic perspective and hands-on product instinct to every conversation. She's passionate about making industrial AI real, not just a slide deck, but a working system that drives measurable outcomes in sustainability, resilience, and operational performance.

Host 1: Richard Howells

⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.

Host 2: Sin To

Sin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.

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Show Links:

SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm

World Economic Forum (WEF):
https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/factories-that-think/

https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-supply-chains/lumina

https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Value_Chains_Outlook_2026.pdf

https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Lighthouse_Network_2026.pdf

Follow Us on Social Media :

Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaclarasayeg/

Richard Howells:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells