How regional authorities can achieve economic development through investments in the logistics sector

Abstract

Lessons for how a regional authority should develop its logistics sector are learned through case studies on four areas (section 2). In addition, a "logistics attractiveness" ranking framework is developed and applied (section 3). A learning from the case studies is that a regional authority plays an active role. It leads the development and sustained progress of logistics related activity either directly or through facilitation. Another insight is that training of people and academic research activity in the field of logistics is accompanying the local development of the logistics sector. This is done somewhat independently by the universities but the authorities are playing a supporting role. Countries found to rank high in their overall logistics attractiveness are generally competitive in infrastructure, information & communication technology (ICT) and ease of doing business (EOB. In addition to the case studies and 'logistics attractiveness' ranking framework this thesis provides an overview of other areas around the world where new logistics park type development activity is found to be taking place (section 4).