Freight Transport Resilience in the UK in Post-Covid & Post-Brexit Era
Dr Gokcay Balci, Assistant Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain, is leading a project to investigate freight transport resilience in the UK. The project is funded by the British Academy / Leverhulme Small Research Grant and contributed by Dr Ebru Surucu Balci from the University of Bradford and Dr Cagatay Iris from the University of Liverpool.
The project is timely and significant for the UK as freight transport disruptions in recent years such as lorry driver shortage and container shipping crisis have dramatically affected the UK economy and society by means of increase in consumer prices, unavailability of essential products such as food and fuel, and closure of some businesses. These disruptions following BREXIT and COVID-19 have underlined the importance of resilience in the UK freight transport sector.
Freight transport resilience is of paramount importance for the UK because it ensures the continuity of critical supply chains, which are essential for the functioning of various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and food distribution. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or global pandemics, resilient freight transport systems are crucial in providing essential goods and medical supplies to communities, hospitals, and businesses.
The UK's economy also relies on international trade, with the country being a significant player in the global marketplace. Maintaining the resilience of freight transport is essential for facilitating the import and export of goods. This not only supports the nation's economic growth but also ensures the stability of the supply chains that connect the UK to the rest of the world.
Dr Gokcay Balci and his team investigate how freight transport organisations in the UK can be more resilient to disruptions in the era of post-BREXIT and post-COVID. The project will identify resources and capabilities transport firms should have and build to achieve resiliency. Dr Balci has conducted interviews with freight transport firms and implemented a survey study on freight transport managers to find out the most influential capabilities of freight transport.
The project will help freight transport managers by guiding which resources and capabilities they should focus on for making their organisations more resilient to disruptions. Results of the project are expected to help the efforts of building a more resilient freight transport in the UK.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss this topic with Dr Gokcay Balci, please contact him at: [email protected]
Gokcay Balci, Assistant Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain