Institutional complementarity in transport–logistics systems: Evidence from global panel data

This study examines how institutional environments and maritime connectivity jointly shape national transport–logistics system performance. Prior research established the importance of governance quality and transport infrastructure for efficiency of logistics but so far little research focused on the interaction of these determinants within the framework of a country’s transport–logistics system. Using a cross-country panel dataset combining the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, the United Nations E-Government Development Index, the UNCTAD Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, and institutional governance indicators, this study investigates whether digital public governance and maritime connectivity exhibit complementarity in explaining logistics performance. The empirical analysis employs panel econometric models with country and time fixed effects, complemented by correlated random effects (Mundlak) estimation to distinguish within-country and between-country dynamics. Cross-country differences in structural characteristics are the main drivers of the considerable differences in logistics performance. Countries with positive scores in terms of digital public governance and logistics performance are above all supported by their maritime connectivity and integrated transport systems. Therefore, durable sets of institutional and network characteristics rather than a change in the short term by means of policy are decisive for positive developments in logistics performance. National transport–logistics competitiveness of countries connected to global maritime networks can be promoted by digital governance and by means of a corresponding maritime connectivity strategy.