Assessing the human barriers and impact of autonomous driving in transportation activities : A multiple case study.

Abstract: Background: The transport industry is facing new challenges such as increased competition between the actors and an increasing shortage of truck drivers. Implementing new technologies such as autonomous driving can represent a solution for companies to increase their competitiveness and gains. However, implementing such an innovative solution leads to a certain resistance to change that has to be dealt with, as well as concerns about the current jobs within the industry. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to assess the resistance to change linked to implementing this technology within Logistics Service Providers, provide solutions to overcome this resistance, as well as assessing the impact on jobs. Method: An inductive multiple case study has been used to conduct this research. The data was gathered from 12 semi-structured interviews with experts related to the transport industry. Then, thematic data analysis has been used to provide insights. Conclusion: The results show that the resistance is characterized by barriers to the technology and the resistance from the people, that support and communication is the key factor for successful implementation and that the truck driving professions will evolve considerably.