Green Logistics Networks : Roles & Symbiotic Relationships

Abstract: Logistics actors such as the transport buyer, freight forwarder, and haulier are currently in a transition phase towards more sustainable practices typically referred to as Green Logistics Practices (GLPs). One of the more progressive GLPs is completion of freight transport using fossil-free fuels such as biomethane. Despite knowledge that fossil-free fuels are effective in reducing the amount of carbon emitted, logistics networks need to move faster in transitioning. This licentiate thesis looks at a successful implementation of biomethane in freight transport in Sweden with the purpose: understanding value creation in implementation of biomethane in freight transport from the point of view of the logistics actors. The research takes an abductive approach. The research is built upon a systematic literature review and literature study which lead to a series of interviews and eventually two different case studies of a regional and national network using biomethane. The systematic literature review and interview study of Paper 1 provided a knowledge base for understanding the status of GLP use and logistics actors’ roles. Paper 2, an embedded case study of the regional network, gives a better image of a network’s drivers and barriers in biomethane implementation including network dynamics. Paper 3 as a multiple case study including both the regional and national network allows for deeper understanding of a network’s dynamics, relationships and value propositions for value co-creation. Use of symbiotic relationships from biology inspired the analysis of the relationships between logistics actors and the value propositions which drives value co-creation. Building from the empirical data and analysis of both the individual papers and kappa, four value propositions were identified: communication, innovation, determination for success and perceived support. The analysis highlighted the weight of different value propositions may carry for the different actors in value creation. A constant finding through the analysis was the importance of communication in the relation in that the actor leading the communication tended to benefit more in value creation. The kappa’s results and analysis which builds on three papers that are part of the licentiate thesis suggest three points that can be used as a base for future research. Firstly, regional networks and national networks act differently. The studied Regional Network was committed to biomethane-fueled transport as it reflected the desires of the customer and community. Whereas the studied National Network had a wider range of customers to satisfy, therefore less commitment to biomethane-driven transport specifically. Secondly in the Regional Network, where the Regional Haulier was identified as a key actor due to its on taking of investments and the importance the other actors in the Regional Network place upon it. Finally, perception of support was realized as one of the more prominent value propositions. If organizations perceive support either from the market or politicians, then they are more likely to be emboldened to take the risk and invest in competencies necessary to transport freight using fossil-free fuels. This licentiate thesis contributes both academically and managerially. In the research field of green logistics, the kappa furthers studies on value creation, relationships between logistics actors pertaining to fossil-free fuels in freight transport and introduces the application of metaphors from biology into logistics that could be built upon in the future. Managerially, the thesis begins to expose how different networks relate to fossil-free fuel use.