Sustainable urban logistics as a lever for territorial competitiveness: A literature review

Abstract

In the face of accelerating urbanisation, urban logistics is a key factor determining the performance of cities and businesses. This article proposes a review of the scientific literature published between 2010 and 2025 to examine the role of sustainable urban logistics (SUL) as a lever for territorial competitiveness, across three dimensions : economic, environmental, social and societal. In this literature review, we draw on a theoretical framework of sustainable urban development through a conceptual proposition that articulates SUL, territorial competitiveness conditioned by three factors: the quality of infrastructure, the integration of innovative technologies and the robustness of the regulatory framework.

The analysis is complemented by an illustrative case study of Cityporto in Padua, Italy, a viable example of SUL. The results suggest that the implementation of sustainable logistics practices, such as the pooling of freight flows, makes it possible to improve economic efficiency, reduce negative externalities and strengthen the competitiveness of territorial stakeholders. This contribution addresses the scientific gap identified in the existing literature by articulating SUL and territorial competitiveness in emerging economies of the Global South, particularly in Morocco.

JEL Classification : O18, Q01

Type du papier : Theoretical Research