Typology of Logistics Service Providers According to the Level of Innovativeness
Typology of Logistics Service Providers According to the Level of Innovativeness

Summary/Abstract: Background: this research aims to present a typology of logistics service providers (LSPs) based on the level of their innovativeness. It also attempts to examine whether particular generations of LSPs significantly differ from one another in terms of the undertaken innovative activities. Methods: the data were collected through interviews of 55 managers in the logistics service sector. In the statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. The level of innovation activity was measured by the number of implementations, taking into account a division between product, process, marketing, and organisational innovations. To assess the innovativeness, there was applied a summary scale, which was analysed in terms of homogeneity (Cronbach’s alpha indicator) and standardisation (sten scores). Results: based upon this, five types of LSPs were defined, i.e. entities with a very high level of innovativeness, high level of innovativeness, average level, low level, and very low level of innovative activity. Simultaneously, LSPs were also divided into three groups in terms of their competences relating to the logistics services and level of outsourcing (i.e. 2PL, 3PL, and 4PL). The group with the highest level of innovativeness is made up of foreign and mostly large-sized companies. The other distinguishing characteristics of this group are: global coverage, annual revenue above PLN 500 million, and the ability to provide a rich palette of developed logistics services. Conclusions: the survey results show an immense diversity of the research sample in terms of innovative activities. One can assume that the leading LSPs are currently developing their offers and market competition methods. Logistics services’ managers can use the typology in order to build the competitive advantage in the market. It also provides practical insights for supply chain managers by showing them the key role of innovation for selection of logistics service providers.

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