Necessity or inevitability of innovation in the logistics sector: impact analysis on logistics companies

This article examines the obstacles and challenges related to dynamic changes in the logistics sector and the need for innovation ahead of the Logistics 4.0 transformation. It provides an overview of innovation deployment in transport and warehousing companies across EU countries, categorized by company size. A two-stage research methodology was employed: first, a comprehensive review of scientific literature to identify the key challenges faced by companies in the logistics sector; second, including an analysis of logistics companies’ efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) results, and efficiency scores. The findings highlight the theoretical and empirical gaps in understanding transport and warehousing companies’ challenges before the transition to Logistics 4.0. The article contributes to logistics sector theory and innovation practices by examining how logistics companies address unique implementation challenges. Practical insights are provided to help companies determine whether innovation is driven by market pressure or global changes. The study identifies impactful innovations such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and green technologies and suggests recommendations for companies’ support programs to foster innovation in the logistics sector.