Trends in Russian Logistics Development: Forecasts and Reality

Abstract

The goal of the article is to analyze forecasts and actual development of Russian logistics on the basis of concrete example, figures, quotations and references to research. Today Russian logistics is passing the stage of active development, however, there are a lot of challenges and problems that should be overcome. A key trend in Russian logistics development is digitalization and introduction of new technologies. According to the research conducted by the Committee on Logistics Development, in 2020 about 78% of logistical market participants in Russia supported introduction of digital innovation in their work. It can cut costs of transportation, raise process efficiency and improve the quality of customer service. However, Russian logistics has not reached its full potential in this field. Key problems are poor introduction of advanced information technologies and undeveloped digital infrastructure. According to the research published by the journal ‘Logistics and Managing Supply Chains’ in 2021 only 25% of logistic companies in Russia use systems of managing storehouses and transport on the basis of artificial transportation, which allows companies to cut delivery period and provide more efficient use of transport infrastructure. According to Rosgosstrakh research in 2020, the volume of multimodal transportation in Russia grew by 15% in comparison with the previous year. However, the Federal Agency on Air Service reports that the development of infrastructure for multimodal transportation is not sufficient. A lot of Russian regions face the absence of connections between various types of transport, which can cause delays and higher delivery cost. We should also point out that Russian logistics still encounters problems with logistical costs. According to the research of ‘The International Journal of Economics and Management’ in 2020 Russia takes the 92nd place by the index of logistical costs among 160 countries. The key reasons for high costs are inefficient use of resources and weak coordination among participants of the logistic chain. The development of Russian logistics supposes introduction of digital technologies, rise in the share of multimodal transportation and cutting logistic costs. Along with this it is necessary to overcome a number of problems, such as low level of digital infrastructure and weal coordination in the logistic chain. It will require joint efforts on the part of government, business and education institutions.