In this episode of Supply Chain Dialogues, Daniel Helmig and AI co-host AImee explore the organisation paradox: why larger companies with more resources struggle more with Scope 3 emissions reduction than smaller firms. Drawing from doctoral research on 248 German manufacturing companies, the discussion reveals that organisational complexity creates systematic barriers through siloed decision-making, diffused accountability, risk aversion at scale, and incentive misalignment. The episode contrasts this with the surprising finding that geographic diversity positively influences implementation effectiveness, suggesting that international complexity can be leveraged as a strategic advantage. Practical solutions include creating dedicated transformation teams with genuine authority, implementing decentralised decision-making with centralised coordination, modifying incentive systems to prioritise carbon metrics, and establishing cross-functional governance structures. The episode emphasises that structural change, not just commitment, is essential for achieving meaningful Scope 3 emissions reduction.
