Imagine the logistics involved in planning an event like the Olympics. Now imagine planning the same event but not knowing when or where it will take place, how many spectators will attend or how many athletes will compete. The near impossibility of this task gives some insight into what humanitarian logisticians are up against. What's more, logistical shortcomings and oversights in the humanitarian context may result in serious consequences for the victims of disasters and could literally mean the difference between life and death. So they have to get it right, and fast.Emergencies test the reactivity and capacity of humanitarian agencies, and often overwhelm them in the first few days. During an emergency relief operation private sector partners can assist the humanitarian agencies with readily accessible assets and skills to meet demand in the field. This may be pro bono or at cost, helping to keep the overall expense of the operation down and enhancing speed in the first few days of a response. This is where this book comes in...The authors are grateful for the support of the INSEAD Social innovation Centre in the development of this book. The centre is a platform for cross-disciplinary research in Social innovation and aims at introducing new business models and market-based mechanisms that deliver sustainable economic, environmental and social prosperity. For more information about the centre's work please visit: www.insead.edu/isic