Governing digital transformation in ports: Policy learning from the 5G-LOGINNOV project

Seaports constitute strategic nodes in global supply chains and play a central role in the ongoing digital and green transition. Technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in logistics. However, their successful deployment depends not only on technological maturity but also on effective governance frameworks and coordinated stakeholder engagement. The 5G-LOGINNOV project addressed this intersection between innovation and governance by linking technical experimentation with policy learning to support the transition toward smart ports.

The study employed an integrated methodological framework that combines the Collaborative Governance Regime (CGR) with the GUEST lean business methodology. This approach facilitates sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration and ensures that experimental outcomes are translated into validated business models and policy recommendations. Empirical evidence was collected from three Living Labs—Athens, Hamburg, and Koper—through workshops, interviews, and surveys involving private and public sector actors.

The integrated CGR–GUEST approach led to the co-creation of policy frameworks guiding 5G deployment in ports and hinterland networks. It identified major implementation barriers—technical, infrastructural, regulatory, and organizational—and produced actionable recommendations to address them. The framework also enhanced the comparability of pilot results and supported the translation of innovation outcomes into policy-relevant insights.

The findings demonstrate that 5G deployment in logistics is not merely a technological endeavor but a governance challenge. By integrating structured governance mechanisms with lean innovation tools, the proposed framework bridges experimentation and policy, offering a replicable model for aligning disruptive technologies with broader sustainability and competitiveness objectives.

This study explores how new technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) can make ports smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Ports are key hubs in global trade, and improving their efficiency is essential for both the economy and the environment. However, adopting advanced digital systems is not only a technical task—it also requires coordination between many public and private actors and clear policies to guide the process.

The research looked at how to bridge this gap between innovation and governance. It introduced a new approach that combines collaborative decision-making with a lean method for turning experimental results into practical business and policy tools. This approach was tested in three European ports—Athens, Hamburg, and Koper—where 5G and AI were deployed in real operating conditions.

Through workshops, interviews, and surveys, the study identified common challenges such as outdated infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, and limited technical expertise. It then developed concrete recommendations to help ports, companies, and policymakers overcome these barriers.

The findings show that the success of digital transformation in ports depends as much on governance and cooperation as on technology itself. By aligning innovation with clear policy frameworks, ports can better use 5G and AI to improve logistics, reduce emissions, and support Europe’s transition toward smarter and greener transport systems.