International Journal of Production Research is on level 3 in the ABS Academic Journal Guide.

Moazzeni, Sahar, and Fabio Sgarbossa: Enabling collaborative logistics in rural contexts with digital technologies: a systematic literature review, International Journal of Production Research, Online 05.01.2026.

Abstract

Collaboration and digital technologies are critical enablers for improving logistics by enhancing coordination, optimising resource use, and increasing supply chain responsiveness. Although both areas have been widely studied, their intersection, especially in rural areas, remains underexplored.

This paper presents a systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, to examine how digital technologies support collaborative logistics practices, with particular emphasis on rural contexts. Our study delivers a structured synthesis that connects collaboration mechanisms, digital enablers, and rural logistics characteristics, moving beyond fragmented treatments in prior reviews.

A comprehensive search and rigorous screening of 73 studies revealed literature spanning three interconnected domains: collaborative logistics, digital technologies, and rural logistics. Based on this analysis, we identify three logistics modes that shape interactions between production firms and customers in

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