Call for paper: Advancing Sustainable Logistics and Trade in a Digital Era

Advancing Sustainable Logistics and Trade in a Digital Era

The rapid evolution of global trade and logistics is driven by digital transformation and sustainability imperatives. This special issue is dedicated to exploring innovative strategies and technologies that enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in international trade and logistics. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of digital tools, policy frameworks, and sustainable business models to address contemporary supply chain challenges.

In today’s dynamic environment, global supply chains must balance efficiency with sustainability, adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics to optimize operations while reducing environmental footprints. The increasing role of automation, green logistics, and circular economy principles also presents new opportunities for academic and industry collaboration. This special issue aims to highlight cutting-edge research that informs both theoretical advancements and practical implementations in the field.

Key Objectives of this Special Issue

•    To investigate innovative digital solutions that enhance trade and logistics efficiency;
•    To explore sustainable logistics strategies that minimize environmental impact;
•    To analyze policy and regulatory frameworks shaping global trade;
•    To assess the role of emerging technologies in improving supply chain resilience and transparency.

Authors are encouraged to submit papers relevant to these themes, aligned with the Journal of International Logistics and Trade (JILT). This Special Issue will publish revised and extended versions of selected papers presented at The 7th International Conference of Inland Waterway Transport 2025 in collaboration with UNECAP under themed “Promoting Sustainability of Inland Waterway Transport and Logistics” (IWT 2025). All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure high academic and thematic standards.

Scope of the Special Issue (Including but not limited to)

• Digital Transformation and Innovation Strategies in Trade and Logistics:

Investigation of innovation strategies related to logistics and supply chain management, including the role of emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, and blockchain. Exploring how AI-driven analytics, blockchain technology, smart navigation, and digital platforms enhance the efficiency and reliability of supply chains. Highlighting their application in optimizing logistics operations and supporting environmentally sustainable practices, as well as their broader application in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across various logistics and supply chain networks. This encompasses the broader digital transformation in logistics and trade.
• Green and Sustainable Logistics and Circular Economy:

Strategies for integrating eco-friendly transportation, carbon footprint reduction, and renewable energy solutions across various modes of transport, including the role of inland waterways and other transportation networks in reducing environmental impacts. Emphasizing advancements in product lifecycle management, waste reduction, and closed-loop supply chains across different logistics networks, fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable practices in logistics.
• Trade Facilitation, Policy, and International Economics:

Analysis of international regulations, free trade agreements, and digital customs procedures, focusing on their impact on both inland waterway transport and the broader logistics and trade networks. Exploring international trade policy, theories, regional trade integration, international trade disputes, and the impact of international trade on regional development. Emphasizing the role of inland waterways in enhancing economic connectivity, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering social cohesion.
• Resilience and Risk Management in Global Trade:

Approaches to mitigating trade disruptions, supply chain risks, and geopolitical challenges through advanced technologies and sustainable practices, applied to both inland and broader logistics networks.

Important Dates

•    Opening special issue paper submission on the journal site: 20 July 2025
•    Closing the journal site for this special issue: 30 November 2025
•    Submission of all the accepted papers (available the journal on-line system) and Editorial: 20 December 2025

Guest Editors

Assoc. Prof. Siri-on Setamanit, Director of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program, Graduate School and Deputy Director of MBA program (Executive), Chulalongkorn Business School, Bangkok, Thailand.
Email: Siri-on@cbs.chula.ac.th

Asst. Prof. Krisana Visamitanan, Director of MBA program (Young executive), Chulalongkorn Business School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Email: Krisana@cbs.chula.ac.th

Assoc. Prof. Paveena Chaovalitwongse, Department of Industrial Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Email: Paveena.c@chula.ac.th

About the Journal

Journal of International Logistics and Trade (JILT) is housed within Jungseok Research Institute (JRI) at Inha university, which is one of the most research-intensive universities of S. Korea. Based on 20 years of international publication history, JILT is currently acting as a global academic platform where international scholars exchange their insights and generate academic inspirations. The ultimate goals of JILT are to improve our understanding on the logistics and trade practices between firms, industries and countries in global economic structure and finally to disseminate new knowledges to international scholars and existing literature.
Emerald Publishing proudly partners with the Jungseok Research Institute to publish its Journal of International Logistics and Trade (https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jilt).