Innovation process at logistics services providers: barriers and stimulation factors

Abstract

Purpose: Dynamic changes in the logistics services industry are forcing Logistics service providers (LSPs) to implement innovations. In this area, there is a need for a better understanding of the process and the factors behind the successful implementation of innovations at LSPs. This study aims to discover stages in the innovation process at Logistics service providers and identify drivers for innovation implementation at LSPs. Design/methodology/approach : The study used a two-step approach. The first stage is a systematic literature review following the procedure proposed by Tranfield, Denyer, and Smart (2003). The second stage was carried out using the Delphi research method. Findings: The survey results show that the LSP innovation process consists of 8 steps. At each stage of the innovation process, undertaken activities were identified that were not recorded in the literature. A list of factors (barriers and stimulators) determining the process of implementing LSPs innovations was identified. Research limitations/implications : Despite the value of research results and their contribution to knowledge, this research has some limitations. The limitation of this study is that it included experts from Poland. Therefore, it is recommended to repeat the survey with experts from different geographical locations, which will include experts from other countries and even continents, to obtain more general conclusions. Practical implications: The results of the research can be used as a contribution to the improvement of activities in the field of implementation of the innovation process for companies from the logistics services industry willing to enter a higher level of implementation and