Logistics 4.0 in Brazil: critical analysis and relationships with SDG 9 targets

Nobrega, JHC, Rampasso, IS, Sanchez-Rodrigues, V, Quelhas, OLG, Leal Filho, W, Serafim, MP and Anholon, R (2021) Logistics 4.0 in Brazil: critical analysis and relationships with SDG 9 targets. Sustainability, 13 (23). p. 13012. ISSN 2071-1050

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Abstract

The logistics sector is characterised as an important pillar of the Brazilian economy, significant regarding revenue and job creation. This study aims to critically analyse the logistical operations developed by Brazilian companies in the context of Logistics 4.0 and to structure a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) matrix from the information gathered. In addition, relationships were established between the structured SWOT matrix and the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9). The methodological approach taken by the study consisted of semi-structured interviews with ten experts and data were analysed through content analysis. Once structured the SWOT matrix, the results were related with the targets of the SDG 9. The study presented the weaknesses and threats stand out in relation to the strengths and opportunities. When compared with the targets of SDG 9, it is possible to observe that many weaknesses are related to infrastructure and innovation. The main contributions of the study are the following: it is one of the few studies which holistically examined the sector in Brazil from a Logistics 4.0 perspective and the study points out some essential needs which should be addressed. The information presented here can broaden the debates on this topic and assist companies and government in the transition to digital transformation.