Can B2B Implementation Enhance Competitiveness of Logistic Companies in Coronavirus Economic Recession?

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents recommendations determined to assist logistic companies in conceiving an efficient B2B implementation policy with the aim of enhancing market competitiveness, especially in time of intensified market competition. The research is based on an analysis of the situation in B2B implementation during the period of the 2008-2009 economic crisis, where – on a sample of 229 logistic companies based in the Czech Republic – it ascertains whether the extent of B2B implementation changed over this period. This is done in a short-time (2006 vs. 2010) as well as long-time (extended with 2014 vs. 2018) horizon. Although some conclusions are in contradiction with other authors, they state a high extent of B2B implementation, which even further increased over the above economic crisis and even continued in a longer time horizon following the crisis. The conclusions are then analogically transferred to the present 2020 “coronavirus economic recession” and practicable recommendations are formulated. Being made on a high level of reliability, the recommendations have a potential to serve as an efficient tool ensuring economic “survival” of logistic companies, which is – especially in the field of logistics due to the implemented anti-COVID measures creating new trade barriers – very actual.