Abstract
Purpose
There is an increased need for more sustainable city logistics solutions in the increasingly complex city logistics ecosystem. The goal of this study is to explore the alignment structure of the multilateral internal city logistics actors and their joint effort to create more sustainable city logistics solutions, following the ecosystem as a structure concept.
Research Approach
A single case study methodology, exploring the internal ecosystem in the city of Helsinki, was taken. Interviews and secondary data were used, and respondents included city department officials as well as regional development companies and programs running development pilots.
Findings and Originality
Based on the reports and interviews, we observed that in general, Helsinki city has a clear innovation and technology emphasis pertaining to sustainable city logistics. However, at the same time a fragmentation of efforts and a lack of cohesion is present observed in the discrepancy between the importance of the overall goal of carbon neutrality and anchoring sustainable city logistics solutions to it through actions. The heightened emphasis on innovation to reach city logistics sustainability may result in a more passive role for the city.
Research Impact
The research contributes to a better understanding of the role and influence of the internal city actors on sustainable city logistics development. The ecosystem as a structure view provides a better understanding of how internal city actors and their activities are aligned.
Practical Impact
This research offers novel insights for policy guidelines for cities and company managers engaged with city logistics. The study can help in guiding development of sustainable city logistics solutions.
Keywords
City logistics, sustainability, innovation, city logistics, internal ecosystem, actors
There is an increased need for more sustainable city logistics solutions in the increasingly complex city logistics ecosystem. The goal of this study is to explore the alignment structure of the multilateral internal city logistics actors and their joint effort to create more sustainable city logistics solutions, following the ecosystem as a structure concept.
Research Approach
A single case study methodology, exploring the internal ecosystem in the city of Helsinki, was taken. Interviews and secondary data were used, and respondents included city department officials as well as regional development companies and programs running development pilots.
Findings and Originality
Based on the reports and interviews, we observed that in general, Helsinki city has a clear innovation and technology emphasis pertaining to sustainable city logistics. However, at the same time a fragmentation of efforts and a lack of cohesion is present observed in the discrepancy between the importance of the overall goal of carbon neutrality and anchoring sustainable city logistics solutions to it through actions. The heightened emphasis on innovation to reach city logistics sustainability may result in a more passive role for the city.
Research Impact
The research contributes to a better understanding of the role and influence of the internal city actors on sustainable city logistics development. The ecosystem as a structure view provides a better understanding of how internal city actors and their activities are aligned.
Practical Impact
This research offers novel insights for policy guidelines for cities and company managers engaged with city logistics. The study can help in guiding development of sustainable city logistics solutions.
Keywords
City logistics, sustainability, innovation, city logistics, internal ecosystem, actors
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Logistics Research Network Conference (LRN) 2023 Supply Chain Sustainability 6 – 8 September 2023, Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh |
| Editors | Edward Sweeny |
| Place of Publication | Edinburgh, UK |
| Publisher | CILT UK - The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK |
| Publication date | 07.09.2023 |
| Pages | 302-308 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-904564-70-6 |
| Publication status | Published - 07.09.2023 |
| MoE publication type | A4 Article in conference proceedings |
| Event | Annual Conference of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) - Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Duration: 06.09.2023 → 08.09.2023 Conference number: 27 https://ciltuk.org.uk/Events/National-Events-2023/Logistics-Research-Network-Conference |
Keywords
- 512 Business and Management
- city logistics
- sustainability
- innovation
- ecosystem
- actors
