Port governance and value creation in the supply chain: the case of Italian ports

The paper aims at exploring the nature of relational dynamics shaping port value creation in the supply chains. The work proposes a model of analysis of port governance and value creation that takes into account the nature of relationship networks shaping the competitive and cooperative dynamics in the supply chains. This perspective allows to identify the boundaries for an active role of the Port Authority, as a facilitator/ community manager and entrepreneur. The paper implements an explorative approach of analysis, through the case study methodology, on two representative cases of the Italian context. La Spezia Container Terminal and Contship group - as an example of port service supply chain extended to intermodality and logistics - and Trieste Marine Terminal and T.O. Delta Group - as an example of port service supply chain extended to rail intermodality. Overall, the findings confirm the importance of including a plurality of actors and their mutual relationships in the analysis of port value creation. The focus placed on the relationships between port actors belonging to the supply chain allows to broaden the port authority role in creating the proper conditions for a port to develop and serve its hinterland.