The dissertation, titled “Innovation and network development of logistics firms”, investigates the third party logistics phenomena from the logistics firm’s perspective with a focus on logistics innovation and network development. It covers logistics firms both in Sweden and China, making it an international investigation of the how and why of logistics innovation.
Lianguang Cui finds that logistics firms focus on customers’ requirements and they provide differentiated services accordingly. Based on the type of customers and the region served, each logistics firm innovates in a different way in order to meet customer expectations.
The logistics innovation process is complicated and includes both top-down and bottom-up processes. Logistics firms are required to constantly interact with their partners. Executives may foresee opportunities to step into new business areas. However, they should not underestimate the challenges and problems, as such strategic moves can mean changing core capabilities and network focus.
Theoretically, the thesis contributes to the third party logistics literature in general and to the logistics innovation research in particular as well as the network development of logistics firms.
Faculty opponent was Professor Lauri Ojala, Turku School of Economics, University of Turku. Examining committee was Professor Arni Halldorsson, Chalmers University, Gothenburg, Professor Martin Spring, Lancaster University, and Professor Helén Anderson, JIBS. Chair of the defence was Professor Susanne Hertz, JIBS.
