"Upstream" refers to the direction against the flow of a river or stream. In this context, it means moving toward the source of the water, where it originates. For example, if you are on a river and you paddle upstream, you are going back toward the mountains or hills where the river begins. In a business context, "upstream" often describes activities related to the initial stages of production or supply chain processes. This includes sourcing raw materials and manufacturing. For instance, in the oil industry, upstream activities involve exploring and drilling for oil, while downstream activities focus on refining and selling the finished products.