Digitalization and new technologies for sustainable business models at the ship-port interface: a bibliometric analysis

Drawing on the business model innovation theory and the resilience theory, the present study explores existing literature on the capacity of digitalization and new technologies for the sustainable and innovative development of shipping and seaports; more in details, it identifies the shipping and seaport business models that can meet environmental, economic and social goals through the digitalization of operational processes in the ship-port interface. This paper aims to investigate whether digitalization and new technologies can help in the creation of sustainable business models as set out in the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN member states in 2015. The methodology is based on a qualitative approach, conducting a systematic literature review followed by a bibliometric analysis of a database containing 132 items in English language publications between 1969 and 2020. The findings indicate that literature on the topic has concentrated mainly on the environmental externalities connected with operations at the ship-port interface. The study offers theoretical and practical contributions, outlining the main issues debated in the literature on digitalization and new technologies in the shipping and seaport industry, and analyses the key variables that will play a role in achieving the SDGs.

Automated summary

This study explores the potential of digitalization and new technologies for the sustainable and innovative development of shipping and seaports, drawing on the theory of business model innovation and resilience. The research focuses on identifying shipping and seaport business models that can achieve environmental, economic, and social goals through digitalization of operational processes. Findings indicate that literature has primarily concentrated on the environmental externalities associated with operations at the ship-port interface, offering insights into key variables for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.