Cross-Chain Collaboration in Logistics: Looking back and ahead

The Topsector Logistics and TKI Dinalog are working on a sustainable and efficient Logistics system of the future. One way of realising this is through collaboration and coordination, within companies, within supply chains and even cross-chain. The past ten years the cross chain control center (4C) program has been focussing on laying the foudations for better collaboration within the logistics industry, more specific; horizontal cross-chain collaboration. How do we make sure that we are able to coordinate and bundle shipments across chains, to utilise assets the best way we can?

The concept of horizontal collaboration has been researched within the 4C program, and abroad, from many different perspectives. From shippers, from logistics service providers, in cooperations and also from neutral roles in supply chains. In order to be competitive in the long term, we believe that more intense logistics collaboration is required for companies. They will need to form partnerships, to be able to reduce their ecological footprint by utilising capacity, bundling of shipments and increasing overall efficiency. To stimulate this in the Netherlands, the 4C program started 10 years ago. A great number of research projects have been initiated and also operational field tests have been supported. Now, it is time to look back, and ahead.

In 2020, the Dutch Multi-annual innovation program will end and will pass into a new program for the Topsector Logistics. There are several ways we are evaluating the past program. of course we are looking at the direct results from the funded projects, which were focussing on the direct impact on the logistics industry. In the beginning of September we will present an overview of applications of 4C in the market. But besides these direct and indirect results from the 4C program it is also relevant to see where we stand in the development of logistics collaboration. Frans Cruijssen has conducted a review study to provide that overview.

The result of that study you will be able to read here. The report addresses the societal challenges which influence the urgency and opportunities for logistics collaboration. Looking at a broad scope of scientific publications a new (more complete) typology of horizontal collaboration has been developed. This is a very good starting point for any researcher willing to build upon previous insights. Furthermore,  from a national and international perspective Frans has looked into the practical application of 4C, of course with specific attention for the Dutch logistics industry. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for academics, policy makers and industry. Food for thought and further development of logistics collaboration. A topic wich is still very relevant, also for ALICE working towards the Physical Internet and zero-emissions logistics industry. The report is a management summary of a book; “Cross-chain Collaboration in Logistics: Looking back and ahead” which will be published later this year in the Springer International Series in Operations Research & Management Science.