Digital Logistics Infrastructure and Sustainable Trade Performance: A Proposed Conceptual Framework
Chapter from the book:
Akben,
İ.
(ed.)
2026.
Digitalization and Sustainability in International Trade.
Synopsis
Global trade systems are becoming increasingly complex and data-intensive. This transformation is also changing the nature of logistics infrastructure and increasing the role of digital systems in trade processes. This section seeks to develop a conceptual framework explaining the impact of digital logistics infrastructure on sustainable trade performance. In this context, the study investigates how digital components such as digital customs systems, single window applications, data platforms, and traceability technologies strengthen data visibility and coordination in logistics processes. The developed framework shows that digital infrastructure creates operational efficiency and that this efficient infrastructure provides the data infrastructure necessary for carbon tracking and environmental performance management. In this context, it is proposed that digital logistics infrastructure creates a multi-stage mechanism that influences sustainable trade performance through data visibility, operational coordination, and carbon integration. The findings reveal that digital logistics infrastructure is not merely a set of technologies that accelerate trade processes, but also creates an institutional capacity that supports the development of sustainable and resilient trade systems.
