Socio-Spatial Research on Logistics and Its Impact on Urban Environment: A Review

Abstract

This review article attempts to respond to the following research questions: how has evolved socio-spatial analysis on logistics, which are the most studied types of this economic activity, and the major impacts of logistics on urban space. This article draws on a systemized bibliometric analysis to identify the main tendencies in logistics' spatial study. It identifies four clusters of literature that put interest on different subtopics and approaches. The review reveals the current hegemony of applied research that focuses on sustainability, streamlining, and technology, mainly from the USA and China, despite research on globalization and industry. In fact, concerning the urban space, the most vivid academic discussion revolves around the location of warehousing and transport activity within cities. Finally, the article highlights the lack of critical perspectives on logistics and socio-spatial conflicts generated by logistics extension in mainstream academic literature. The analysis concludes that socio-spatial disputes related to logistics remain understudied and, consequently, further research should be conducted on this field.