Autonomous Driving in the Logistics Industry : A multi-perspective view on self-driving trucks, changesin competitive advantages and their implications.

Abstract: Background: Nowadays, logistics service providers face several challenges which create an urge to rethink their strategy to improve their position within the market,decrease their costs and their environmental impact. At the same time theintroduction of autonomous driving potentially has an impact on logistics.Self-driving trucks can help logistics companies to tackle these challenges.However, the implementation of this technology could fundamentally alterthe competitive landscape. Hence, certain competitive advantages currentlyheld by logistics firms might lose their relevance in the future and need tobe adapted to maintain a strong market position. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the perception of self-driving trucks within logistics and the impact on competitive advantages of logistics service providers. Thereby, this thesis will look at experts from Germany and Sweden and their opinion on future implications of self-driving trucks. Method: An inductive research approach is used to explore the topic. A multi-method research strategy is applied to gather data through qualitative semi-structured interviews with 17 participants. These were divided into five different case groups. To interpret the data a thematic analysis approach was chosen. Conclusion: The main contribution is a model representing the impact of autonomous driving on competitive advantages and the implications for the logistics industry. Findings are based on the perception of experts about autonomous driving, current resources and capabilities.