Future scenarios 2030 – The impact on logistics and the contribution to a sustainable development

Preface Area of conflict: politics and business Coordination between politics and business is a highly discussed theme when talking about sustainable development. Requirements of the domestic industry are rarely con-sistent with the framework of social, legal and regulatory policies. The setting of the gen-eral political conditions depends on the policy. Although there are often differences and discrepancies between the politically influenced framework and the industrial demand, both parties should be highly interested in a successful sustainable development of the domestic business location in an international context. Especially the discipline of logistics can play a major role and contribute considerably to a sustainable development, provided that the political framework is appropriate. Trends and progress influence the economic system Internationalization of markets and higher intensity of competition, extended requirements to quality and service levels as well as the individualization of demand can be seen as the main actual and future challenges. In order to deal with emerging trends and developments it is essential that political and entrepreneurial leaders are aware of micro and macro economical issues and the significance of logistics in this area. A holistic approach To allocate the assumptions mentioned above scientifically and empirically the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology, Department for Integrated Transport Management and Logistics, has asked the LOGISTIKUM – Competence Cen-ter for Logistics and Enterprise Networks, to compile a research study. The main objec-tives were to develop and analyze future scenarios regarding the impact on logistics and the contribution of logistics to an economic system. Furthermore the study aimed at working out strategic recommendations and policies for a sustainable development in a holistic approach in order to strengthen the position of Austria as a business location. This was done under involvement of nameable representatives of Austrian industrial sectors as well as experts specialized in macro economical disciplines. The research study itself focused especially on Austria, whereas the scientific paper ex-amines the topic in a general approach.