Conceptual models of port governance

Abstract

The port system is characterized as one of the main links in a country's logistics chain, contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions in which they operate. Port performance is the result of a diversity of activities by the various organizational and institutional actors present in this environment, which is materialized through port governance. Distributed in more than 900 international ports, port governance models have different mechanisms, depending on the environment in which the logistics-port chain is inserted. Brazil, in the process of professionalizing the port sector, has sought to identify models of port governance for implementation in the Brazilian port system. In this context, this article aims to identify the port governance mechanisms proposed by the most contemporary conceptual models in the scientific literature, to support their better understanding and to identify the knowledge gaps to support future research in the area. To this end, theoretical research was carried out, through a systematic literature review, using the electronic, international, and interdisciplinary Scopus database. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and with the support of a search directed to the theme for the inclusion of new specialist publications, 12 conceptual models of Port Governance were considered. Even though the construct is a broad concept, it was possible to identify the conceptualization of the term, mechanisms, and components for its configuration. The models mainly include aspects of state participation; devolution; governance environment, strategy, structure, and dimensions; port reforms and performance and guidance for efficiency and effectiveness. However, the research results highlight that aspects of vertical and horizontal relationships deserve to be better explored; relationship networks; cooperation; co-production, and a systemic view.