Proceedings of ICLT 2023
SMART CITY LOGISTICS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF SUSTAINABLE CITY LOGISTICS IN HELSINKI
Helleke Heikkinen; Anna Aminoff
Hanken School of Economics, Finland; Hanken School of Economics, Finland
International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2023, Helsinki, Finland, pp. 199-206
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Abstract
Purpose: There is an increased need for more sustainable city logistics solutions. Challenges like global warming has made city actors increasingly aware of their role in finding sustainable city logistics solutions. The goal of this study is to explore the development of sustainable city logistics solutions from a cityinternal perspective, utilizing technological frames as a lens. Approach: A single case study methodology, investigating various actors in the city of Helsinki, was taken. Interviews and secondary data were used, and respondents included city department officials responsible for traffic, environment, and business development as well as regional development companies and programs running last mile and urban development pilots. Findings: Based on the reports and interviews, we observed that in general, Helsinki city has a clear innovation and technology emphasis pertaining to sustainable city logistics. However, at the same time a fragmentation of efforts and a lack of cohesion is present observed in the discrepancy between the importance of the overall goal of carbon neutrality and anchoring sustainable city logistics solutions to it through actions. The heightened emphasis on innovation to reach city logistics sustainability may result in a more passive role for the city. Practical implications: This research offers novel insights for policy guidelines for cities and company managers engaged with city logistics. The study can help in guiding development of sustainable city logistics solutions. Originality/value: The research contributes to a better understanding of the role and influence of the internal city actors on sustainable city logistics development. The technological frame perspective provides a better understanding of how internal city actors, and their activities are aligned and how potential incongruence in goals is manifested.
Keywords
City logistics; sustainability; innovation; actors; technological frames
Citation
Helleke Heikkinen; Anna Aminoff (2023). SMART CITY LOGISTICS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF SUSTAINABLE CITY LOGISTICS IN HELSINKI. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2023), Helsinki, Finland, pp. 199-206.