Do Digital and Communication Technologies Improve Smart Ports? A Fuzzy DEA Approach

Abstract

The adoption of digital and communication technologies (DCTs) is a critical success factor in port industry. Several pieces of empirical evidence are demonstrating that advanced knowledge infrastructures support port efficiency and competitiveness, for example, through intelligent transport systems, such as sensors, actuators, and platforms. In this perspective, this paper evaluates the impact of investments in DCTs—i.e., interactive websites and social media marketing solutions—on port efficiency. To this end, we perform the nonparametric method of data envelopment analysis, both in its crisp and fuzzy approaches, in order to account for the vague and imprecise nature of some data. Findings pinpoint that port efficiency is generally supported by DCT solutions, and for some ports, the effect is particularly relevant. The outcomes provide managerial suggestions for port authorities, policy makers, and industrial practitioners to identify critical investments for improving port competitiveness.