Abstract
Purpose
To analyse logistical innovations from 1984 to 2003.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach concerned analysing the use of patents retrieved from major patent databases to create a picture of logistical innovations.
Findings
Confirmation that the use of patent statistics can depict an overall picture of technological innovation in the logistics sector. Logistics firms can be innovative by making good use of patent data.
Research limitations/implications
Logistics researchers and practitioners take advantage of recent improvements in the quality and availability of patent statistics rather seriously; in other fields many do not see the relevance.
Practical implications
Customers will begin to rely on 3PL service providers beyond distribution services for more technological innovation as they successfully expand capabilities into these areas, as well as provide end‐to‐end integration and visibility.
Originality/value
This is a novel and useful approach for examining innovations.