Current State and Future of International Logistics Networks-The Role of Digitalization and Sustainability in a Globalized World

International logistics networks are in constant change and are facing more and more challenges while trying to cope with increasing dynamics and uncertainties. The more complex and globally distributed the associated value networks become, the greater the impact of uncertainties on the planning and management of logistics networks. Moreover, further trends have been emerging for some time that further influence the design of international logistics networks. Digitalization and technologization in logistics play a major role, as they have a particularly strong influence on the way we will plan, design, and control complex international logistics networks in the future. Additionally, the ever-increasing need for sustainable logistics solutions is also driving developments. Traditional design approaches for international logistics networks are being phased out to test new methods, and the question arises regarding how globally dispersed future logistics networks can and will be in the wake of the megatrends of digitalization and sustainability.

To contribute to the necessary discussions ofthese developments, this Special Issue aims to bring together scientific contributions on key topics in international logistics.