Role of logistics performance in international business development – the case of Republic of Croatia
Abstract:
Logistics is one of the most important elements of international trade and business. Logistics includes various activities such as transportation and related infrastructure, warehousing, packaging, customs clearance, and other border activities, as well as technologies that allow tracking of the shipment and information about the condition of goods during the travel time. Logistics has received even more attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, as much pressure has been placed on logistics to efficiently and safety facilitate the movement of goods. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyse how different logistics activities affect international trade and which of these activities are more important for the development of international business in different industries. The analysis is based on primary and secondary firm level data from a sample of more than 100 firms belonging to different industries. The construction of the logistics performance variables will be based on the online survey, while the firm performance data will be obtained from the ORBIS database and sectoral data from CBS. The survey will allow us to identify key dimensions that need to be improved to create a favourable business environment and the increase in the international economic activities of the firms. The results of this study could be particularly useful for policy makers, as they provide a tool to improve the overall international business environment by supporting individual logistics elements. In addition, these findings could provide individual firms with better insight into the impact of different segments of logistics on international business, depending on the industry, and help them invest in the elements that will improve their business outcomes. Finally, this research will address the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes currently facing the logistics industry
Key words: logistics performance, international business, international trade, Republic of Croatia
