Papers

The Physical Internet (PI) is a transformational concept.  In recent years, while production and distribution networks have become increasingly global (e.g. Yeung & Coe, 2015), many technical issues and practical applications of the concept have been studied and implemented.  Activities related to moving goods and people have been met with increasing resistance by communities.  Yet, preoccupations about the PI’s social acceptability have seldom been addressed. 
The purpose of this paper is to put forth a framework that will help implementers of PI initiatives deal with social acceptability issues around the reshuffling of logistical flows induced by the PI.  This paper looks into the literature on corporate social responsibility that focuses on the acceptability of transportation, warehousing and distribution projects.   

Through a structured literature review, the paper develops a tentative typology and a set of propositions as well as best practices.  It finds that while disruptive innovations are generally welcome with optimism at earlier stages, this optimism eventually gives way to skepticism.  The implication is that the PI’s sustained penetration will lead to a substantial evolution in logistics management, decision-making and modes of transportation. This will cause increased awareness by stakeholders of how PI-related activities will impact them.