Consequences of digital transformation in the logistics industry: The role of dynamic capabilities

Abstract

esearch background and purpose: Digital transformation is increasingly recognized as a strategic necessity for logistics service providers, reshaping information exchange, operational processes, and service quality. Within this context, dynamic capabilities represent the organizational competencies that enable firms to adapt, reconfigure, and renew their resources to maintain sustainable competitiveness. This study explores the role of dynamic capabilities in driving digital transformation in logistics service providers and examines their effects on different dimensions of firm performance. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a quantitative research design, collecting data through face-to-face surveys with middle- and senior-level managers in the logistics sector. The proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings: The findings indicate that adaptive capability and absorptive capacity have significant positive effects on digital transformation, while innovation capability does not yield a statistically significant impact. Furthermore, digital transformation positively influences logistics service performance and innovation performance, although its effect on financial performance is found to be minimal. Value added and limitations: The findings highlight the importance of developing dynamic capabilities to successfully implement and maintain digital transformation, which in turn improves organizational performance and strengthens competitiveness in the logistics sector. The study is limited to large logistics firms, and the results may not be fully applicable to other sectors or to small and medium-sized enterprises that have different structural characteristics. In addition, the analysis focused only on the quantitative relationship between dynamic capabilities and digital transformation, while future studies may examine other competencies such as collaboration and integration. Finally, although this study evaluated the impact of digitalization on service, innovation, and financial performance, future research could also consider outcomes such as customer satisfaction, loyalty, and quality management.