Examining interrelationships of barriers in the evolution of maritime port smartification from a systematic perspective. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jia, Xiaohui; Cui, Yongmei
• Is Part Of: Transport policy. Volume 114(2021)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Maritime ports -- Barriers -- Interrelationships -- Smartification -- Grey-DEMATEL -- China; Transportation and state -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Rates -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-070X

Abstract

Abstract: The smartification of maritime ports is assumed to improve operational efficiency, which results in a reduction of port costs and harmful emissions. This study seeks to estimate the interrelationships among barriers in the evolution of maritime port smartification (MPS) using the case of China. The research framework exhibits fifteen barriers selected from the previous literature and experts' inputs. The causal relationships among the identified barriers were examined by using an integration of grey theory and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method (DEMATEL). The barriers were divided into a causal group with eight barriers and an effect group with seven barriers. Further analysis of the results leads to the identification of nine key barriers such as unfavorable policies of investing and financing, low level of cooperation between port business and government functions, shortage of talents in smart ports. Insufficient government support in R&D is the most influential causal barrier, and undeveloped awareness of the benefits of new technologies has the most association with other barriers. The findings encourage more detailed investigations on the barriers and help policy-makers formulate strategies to accelerate the evolution of MPS. Highlights: Causal relationships exist in barriers in maritime port smartification. The barriers are divided into causal and effect barriers. The casual/effect barriers are sorted according to prominence values. The key barriers for maritime port smartification are recognized.