The emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) in combination with IT advances promises to revolutionize the visibility and ultimately the efficiency of supply chains. Economists and engineers have long recognized the rich, nonlinear dynamics (including the so called bull-whip oscillatory effect) in the flow of goods in such networks. In this special occasion in honor of the 70th birthday of Prof. Ramkrishna, it is timely to consider new mathematical textures in the supply chain landscape arising from the introduction of the RFID element and the implications for regional and national economic development plans.