Inter-firm relations in the age of instant access: Case of the U.S. logistics industry

摘要: The logistics industry includes firms that provide a wide range of services, from asset-based activities, such as trucking and warehousing, to increasingly strategic integrated functions, supply chain optimization. In the U.S., was roughly equivalent 10 percent GDP in 2000, while share has been declining due improved efficiency, it remains an important significant size, scope effect. Past studies economic geography related disciplines have implicated critical role functions contemporary economy. Various emerging production forms, flexible specialization, just-in-time production, increased outsourcing off-shoring all necessitated logistical sophistication. Whereas research on industrial organization districts uncovered types characteristics inter-firm relations sources innovation, competitiveness regional transformation (Piore Sabel, 1984; Best, 1990; Markusen et al., 1991; Castells, 2000), few exist date analyze using knowledge, tools expertise developed (Dicken, 2003). is rapidly changing, far greater sophistication demanded number pressures as: global outsourcing, higher efficiency interfirm coordination, new technologies supply-chain solutions, opportunities use business-to-business (B-to-B) electronic commerce (Ecommerce), among others. A geographers are beginning advocate for importance this (see, example, Dicken, 2003; Bowen 2002; Leinbach Bowen, 2004). chapter we focus organizational geographic industry. We do so evidence collected through secondary materials: published literature data, preliminary results nation-wide online survey providers conducted, well