Background: The adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) is transforming supply chains in the European Union, affecting logistical performance, economic integration and sustainability. This study examines the extent to which ICT adoption affects logistics efficiency in the 27 EU Member States. Methods: Using panel data from the World Bank and UNCTAD (2008–2018), the analysis applies the Arellano–Bond Generalized Method of Moments estimator to assess the impact of ICT indicators, broadband penetration, mobile connectivity and digital skills on logistics performance. GDP per capita and trade openness are included as control variables. Results: The results show that a 1% increase in ICT usage correlates with a 0.12-point increase in the Logistics Performance Index. Higher ICT usage leads to more efficient supply chains, lower costs and higher customer satisfaction. However, there are still differences in digitalization: the ICT usage rate of SMEs is 28% in Bulgaria and 27% in Romania, compared to the EU average of 59%. Conclusions: Bridging the digital divide requires targeted investments in ICT infrastructure, harmonized regulatory frameworks and stronger public–private cooperation to foster regional economic cohesion. This study provides policy recommendations to drive digital transformation, strengthen the resilience of logistics and improve the sustainability of supply chains in the EU.

This paper examines Croatian Regional Value Chains (RVCs). We use the value chain approach to study supply chains, examining data specifically for Croatia and its proximate trading partners in the European Union, as well as some other European countries. The value added in Croatian exports is statistically related to the value added in the exports of Croatian trading partners. We argue that Croatian RVCs are organized around regional production centers, with proximity to production capacity, raw materials, and customers as driving factors, and thus most of the value added originates in these RVCs. This paper emphasizes the advantages of representing trade through value added over traditional gross trade statistics and highlights the robustness of RVCs in Croatia to global shocks and transportation reliability issues. We conclude that despite its small absolute size, the Croatian economy is dynamically well-integrated into the EU RVCs, which is crucial for increasing business efficiency and competitiveness, notwithstanding the constraints of relatively low returns to scale. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of RVCs in Croatia and their potential benefits for Croatia in the global production organization.

Background: Recent global disruptions have exposed the vulnerability of international supply chains, prompting a shift toward regionalization to enhance economic resilience. As a European Union (EU) member, Croatia has an opportunity to strengthen its integration into EU regional value chains (RVCs), fostering economic stability and competitiveness. This study examines Croatia’s integration into EU RVCs and its economic impact. Methods: Using panel data from the UNCTAD–Eora database (2000–2019), this study applies panel data quantile regression (PDQR) to analyse Croatia’s trade relationships with EU Member States. Unlike traditional regression models, PDQR captures variations in trade dynamics across different levels of economic activity, providing a more detailed understanding of Croatia’s trade resilience. Results: The findings show that Croatia’s trade integration strengthens at higher economic quantiles (τ = 0.75–0.85), reflecting its ability to scale exports during economic expansions. Lower quantiles (τ = 0.05–0.25) display stable but less dynamic trade patterns, suggesting a need for targeted policy interventions to enhance supply chain resilience. Strong trade linkages with Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and Italy highlight Croatia’s comparative advantage in high-value trade sectors. Conclusions: Croatia’s integration into EU RVCs supports economic resilience and competitiveness. These findings provide insights for policymakers to optimize trade participation and mitigate vulnerabilities. By demonstrating the benefits of quantile-based trade analysis, this study advances the discourse on regional economic integration.