Title: Understanding urban logistics clusters: a qualitative study

Authors: Ismail Abushaikha; Jamal Alnsour; Luay Jum'a; Adel Abubaker

Addresses: School of Management, Cranfield University, UK; Business School, German Jordanian University, Amman, Jordan ' Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan ' Business School, German Jordanian University, Amman, Jordan ' Business School, German Jordanian University, Amman, Jordan

Abstract: This study contributes to the developing body of research in the field of urban logistics by exploring the maturity of urban logistics clusters in Jordan. The study is based on qualitative methods using observational evidence and 31 semi-structured interviews conducted with firms residing in urban logistics clusters. The findings suggest that urban planning is an integral component of developing logistics clusters and leveraging the logistics sector's competitiveness. In addition, the results reveal that urban logistics clusters in Jordan are underdeveloped and that there are huge challenges in terms of government responsibilities, transport, infrastructure, and human resource development. Facing such challenges requires higher integration among urban and regional administrations, logistics associations, and other stakeholders, which should lead to improved quality of clusters' infrastructure and services. Therefore, setting a comprehensive urban strategy of logistics clusters is essential at this stage of development.

Keywords: urban logistics clusters; urban planning; urban manufacturing; collaborative clusters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2023.135462

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2023 Vol.10 No.3, pp.289 - 305

Received: 31 Jan 2023
Accepted: 13 Jul 2023
Published online: 13 Dec 2023 *

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