Transition from the status quo to more sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices is a highly complex and non-linear process with multiple drivers, but also obstacles, on the way. The impending strict regulatory framework, particularly in terms of the environmental dimensions of sustainability development (SD), is single-handedly opening the door to rapid and potentially disruptive change. The research literature on SSCM has increased exponentially over the last decade to meet the mounting demand for information on how to tackle often conflicting sustainability-related requirements while satisfying all internal and external stakeholders. Due to the continuously evolving and wicked nature of SSCM, a limited number of scholars have approached the issue with design thinking problem solving methodologies (DTPSMs). The results of a systematic literature review (SLR) were mirrored with the Evolved Double Diamond (EDD) design process model to formulate a design thinking overview and trace potential research gaps of selected frameworks and models regarding the sustainability transition (ST) of supply chains (SCs). The research results demonstrate that modelling the ST in SC as a wicked problem can contribute to the creation of more structured and novel SSCM models and frameworks, which take into deeper consideration the evolving nature of the issue and improve facilitation practices of stakeholder engagement.

Seaports (hereafter “ports”) within the European Union are facing increasingly restrictive regulation in the near future from various sources driven by climate change prevention and public opinion supporting “green” values. Ports are complex hubs for maritime transportation systems and global supply chains, as well as an integral part of critical national infrastructures. However, they are also significant individual sources of harmful emissions, and their involvement is crucial to reducing transportation-related environmental impacts. To meet future regulatory requirements, stakeholders will need to find ways to align their policies accordingly and create long-term pathways toward these ambitious targets. The empirical case study presented in this paper among European Port Cluster (EPC) stakeholders distinctly reflects the mounting importance of environmental policies and the need for further preparative measures for meeting future demands. This paper emphasizes the intensified impact of forthcoming regulation on existing business models in the EPC and contributes a foresight-based framework to approaching this issue systematically. The adoption of future-oriented regulation is a non-linear, potentially disruptive, and complex foresight process that requires each stakeholder to formulate their own strategic pathway toward a target-seeking scenario. Changing direction from the status quo toward sustainability also requires a strong commitment beyond mere regulatory compliance.

The rapid increase in business-to-consumer online retail has challenged the existing distribution models. Seamlessly integrated, more sustainable and digitalized last-mile distribution processes are vital to meeting the requirements posed by future online retail. Investments to new and more advanced technological solutions are needed to improve the operational performance and to meet all the external requirements. The variety of available technological solutions creates a significant, multi-layered challenge to individual organizations’ ability to select the most fit-for-purpose technology for their own and their customers’ needs. This is a well-recognized issue at the front end of the innovation process and it calls for deep insight before proceeding to actual product development. This paper describes how domain-specific benchmarking can be a valid tool for increasing strategic knowledge and supporting technology investment decisions. In this research, 16 technologies and technology topics applied to distribution logistics were evaluated in terms of the technologies’ perceived feasibility. The feasibility comprised three technology dimensions – applicability, tangibility and maturity - as benchmarking indicators, chosen on the basis of literature. The demonstrated application of domain-specific benchmarking supports managerial evaluations of individual technologies, as well as enables further customizing the benchmarking indicators to be used in the proposed model.

Currently transportation is responsible for 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. This share is set to rise, as many other industries have larger incentives to reduce emissions. Thus far, a majority of companies have concentrated on their primary emissions (Scope 1) and the emissions caused by their energy use (Scope 2). Beginning in 2024, incoming EU regulations will demand that large companies report their indirect Scope 3 emissions, and they will gradually expand to include all companies operating within the EU by 2028. The fundamental aim of the regulations is to drive emissions reductions in supply chains. To tackle the challenges posed by this new legislation, this paper takes a closer look at decision-making in transport and logistics service purchasing and considers how the use of a digital marketplace that trades transport and logistics services could improve the emissions transparency in supply chains and steer companies to select less polluting service alternatives. Finally, the paper determines the characteristics for such a marketplace.