The maritime and port industry experiences significant changes due to technological, operational and organizational developments. PortEconomics member George Vaggelas co-authored with Camille Leotta (University of Genoa, Italy) a port study that investigates current and future challenges for port labour in the light of the main trends shaping the port competitive environment. In this perspective, the evolution of port labour is argued to be driven by technology related factor, i.e., digitalization and automation. Digitalization can increase port efficiency through improved port operations due to process standardization, increasing quality in port services and effective strategic planning. These trends are shaping a new framework creating new challenges and threats for port labour, given the increasing demand for new jobs focusing on high-skilled personnel.
The port study demonstrates that, the expected transition “from strength to skill”, will require new capabilities for workers, and consequently specific training schemes and certifications. Also contributes on the ongoing debate on the challenges and the opportunities that technology brings into the port industry.
The study published at the academic journal Impresa Progetto – Electronic Journal of Management (IPEJM) and can be freely downloaded at the journal’s website.
