Compared to other industries the innovative output of logistics service providers
(LSPs) is rather low. By enforcing their attempts to innovate these companies
could improve their competitive position. Empirical studies indicate that
proactive innovations result in significant improvements of customer loyalty for
LSPs.
Most LSPs are B2B service providers and therefore depend heavily on good
relationships with their customers. Additionally, they have to act in a very
competitive environment characterized by low profit margins. Looking at this
special position, the question arises if methods of open innovation are a
suitable approach for LSPs to fix their innovation deficit.
Methods of open innovation originate from development processes of tangible
products. Although, by now, open service innovation is also evolving, the
logistics sector is still lacking behind. The aim of this paper is to evaluate a
general framework for open service innovation in logistics. To specify
requirements of LSPs in regard to open innovation procedures, interviews with
responsible managers of LSPs were conducted.