COSA SAPPIAMO E COSA NON SAPPIAMO SULLA GESTIONE DELLA LOGISTICA NELLE AREE RURALI

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the state-of-the-art of the existing body of knowledge concerning the management of logistics and supply chain management in rural areas. To achieve this purpose, a systematic literature review has been conducted using a set of keywords that has been applied in Scopus and Web of Science databases. A sample of 51 papers from different disciplines has been retrieved and reviewed. The results allow to provide a literature classification framework based on following three topic areas: retail and distribution, digitalization and ICT, and supply chain models and capabilities. Eight research gaps have been derived that allowed to identify and a number of research avenues that may inspire future research in this area. A conclusion of this work is that rural logistics is an immature research stream, even if it is gaining interest over time. Further research efforts are needed to expand knowledge and provide new solutions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to collect, analyse and classify scientific papers on the management of logistics in rural contexts.