To tackle these problems successfully, new concepts will be required for developing systematic modeling techniques that can describe parts of the chemical supply chain at different levels of abstraction. A specific example is the integration of molecular thermodynamics in process simulation computations. This would fulfill the objective of predicting the properties of new chemical products when designing a new manufacturing plant. However, such computations remain unachievable at the present time and probably will remain so for the next decade. The challenge is how to abstract the details and description of a complex system into a reduced dimensional space.

Another important aspect in the modeling and optimization of the chemical supply chain is the description of the dynamics of the information and material flow through the chain. This will require a better understanding of the integration of R&D, process design, process operation, and business logistics. The challenge will be to develop quantitative models that can be used to better coordinate and optimize the chemical enterprise. Progress will be facilitated by new advances in information technology, particularly through advances in the Internet and by new methods and mathematical concepts. Advances in computer technology will play a central role. Fulfilling the goal of effectively integrating the various functions