ICT innovation diffusion in small logistics service providers: an empirical survey

ieABSTRACTFor companies competing in highly dynamic markets, innovation is considered a fundamental component of asuccessful business as it allows companies to sustain profit margins, sales growth and reduce competitors’ pressures.Information and communication technology (ICT) is essential innovation enablers especially in service companies. Thefocus of the paper is on the analysis of the role of ICT in innovation processes of small third-party logistics serviceproviders (3PLs). On the basis of quantitative evidence emerging from a recent survey carried out on the Italian 3PLmarket, the paper analyses how ICT is used to support innovation and the factors the inhibit/facilitate the usage of ICT insuch companies. Implications for supply chain innovation management are derived from the research and managerialperspectives