Drivers, Barriers, and Enablers of Digital Transformation in Maritime Ports Sector: A Review and Aggregate Conceptual Analysis

This paper develops a conceptual framework for digital transformation in the maritime ports sector. The study combines a systematic literature review and aggregate conceptual analysis to explicate drivers, barriers, and enablers of digital transformation. Our literature review is grounded in maritime ports’ existing albeit scant empirical evidence. Our attempt bridges the existing gap in ports literature review that has included articles from sources outside the maritime industry’s domain. We deploy aggregate conceptual analysis on 35 maritime port related empirical literature and rank emerging concepts with respect to digital transformation phenomenon. We then synthesize 32 concepts deemed essential for the effective implementation of digital transformation in the ports sector. In doing so, four thematic categories emerge: i) drivers, ii) barriers, iii) enablers, and iv) digital transformation idiosyncrasies in ports. In terms of contribution, this study is one of the earliest efforts to aggregate factors related to digital transformation in the maritime ports sector. Our findings provide actionable insights that enable managers of maritime ports, stakeholders, and policymakers to successfully navigate the digital transformation process. For researchers, directions for future research are offered.