Innovation in Logistics: China-Europe Supply Chains

Logistics industry in China has grown rapidly in the past twenty years. However the fast development seems to be so overwhelmed by even faster development of offshore sourcing by western firms that there are a number of problems facing Chinese logistics industry and its customers. To solve these problems, a joint research has been planed between School of Management, Tianjin University and Cranfield School of Management aiming to: 1) compare the current state of logistics processes between China and Europe; 2) identify the enablers and inhibitors of logistics innovation in China; 3) identify opportunities for logistics innovations with particular emphasis on organizational and cultural issues; 4) develop policy recommendations to government. In order to achieve these objectives, a multiple-methods methodology will be adopted. In stage one, a focus group of experts from industry and academics will be organized. A survey of companies regarding logistics innovation will be performed in stage two. Finally in-depth multiple case studies will be conducted across three representative manufacturing industries: aerospace, automotive and consumer electronics. It is believed that this research will contribute to logistics/supply chain management theory especially in a China-Europe context and logistics practice in China significantly.