Evaluation of the Smart Logistics Based on the SLDI Model: Evidence from China

Smart logistics (SL) reflects the digital transformation of the logistics industry, which is key for economic development. Most evaluations are based on the application of technology in SL, and few studies have evaluated SL from a comprehensive perspective. The paper builds the SL development index (SLDI) model from five dimensions based on the driving force, pressure, state, impact, and response (DPSIR) model and identifies the indicator weight by the entropy weight technique. The paper employs the ETDK method, a combined quantitative approach that incorporates entropy weight (E), the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) (T), the Dagum Gini coefficient (D), and Kernel density estimation (K), to calculate the closeness degree, analyze spatial-temporal differentiation, and explain the distribution characteristics using data from China spanning 2013 to 2021. The findings show that (1) The SL evaluation is multidimensional and cannot be evaluated only based on technical indicators. A comprehensive evaluation indicator system is necessary. (2) A combined quantitative approach can measure SL development from multiple perspectives and get a clearer picture of the characteristics and regional differences of SL. (3) Influenced by economic development, infrastructure, regional clusters, location, talent, etc., the overall SL development is improving yearly, but SL development in different regions is unbalanced and has different distribution characteristics. The SLDI model developed in this paper will provide a more scientific and reasonable tool for comprehensively evaluating SL. The findings are helpful in proposing suggestions and optimization approaches for subsequent research on SL evaluation and development.