Digital platform to transform logistics knowledge and research into innovation
Barriers to innovation can interfere with solutions that are needed to effectively deal with issues arising along the supply chain. The EU-funded LOGINN (Logistics innovation uptake) project brought together public stakeholders, market players and researchers to boost the commercial adoption of logistics innovation and to manage and support EU research projects. To raise the profile and understanding of intermodal and freight logistics innovation, project partners identified current and expected logistics market developments. They then defined the relationship of these developments to practical real-life examples of logistics innovation, such as business models, practices and technologies relating to innovation drivers, critical success factors, barriers overcome and impacts achieved. The LOGINN team identified policies, regulatory measures, financial mechanisms and socioeconomic aspects needed to support rapid development and dissemination of logistics innovation. This was done by combining past research on innovation management and uptake with real-life experiences in the logistics industry. To obtain a more complete picture of logistics and innovation, all results were fed into an action plan. It lays down specific actions to overcome barriers and strengthen drivers in the near and distant future. The main dissemination channel is a collaborative web platform called Logistics Arena. It was launched in 2013 to enable industry, SMEs, public authorities, investors and research organisations to jointly promote novel transport logistics solutions, particularly in intermodal transport. This virtual meeting point continues to serve the logistics community. LOGINN helped to support innovation uptake through constructive dialogue and online communities. By encouraging knowledge sharing and exchange, it will ultimately clear the hurdles of logistics innovation.
Keywords
Transport logistics, LOGINN, logistics innovation, Logistics Arena