Abstract:
Orientation
Transnet’s failure to support its stakeholders and provide continuous service in
transporting cargo to and from its seaports to destinations inland is causing incalculable
damage to the struggling South African economy. Transnet Group has failed to enable its
operational divisions to command, master, and succeed in the spaces they have
monopolised for years. The Transnet group may consider making digitization a dynamic
capability, thereby upskilling its workforce in keeping with the top performing ports around
the world.
Research purpose
This study investigates best practices in digitization of ports to understand if such a
dynamic capability could enhance efficiencies at Transnet.
Motivation for the study
This study qualitatively investigated documents and prior literature to shed light on digital
dynamic capabilities in the context of seaports and in the context of the theory of dynamic
capabilities.
Research design, approach and methods
Theoretical, abstract research, analysing recent research, was conducted to uncover
global best practices in digital dynamic capabilities in seaports.
Main findings
Around the world authors reported on the successes of digital ports and the many benefits
accruing to stakeholders. Other authors reported on digital dynamic capabilities, yet we
have found no reports on digital dynamic capabilities in ports.
Practical and managerial implications
Early attempts at digitization and securing against cybercrime at Transnet should be
reinvestigated, and the possibility of making digitization a dynamic capability of Transnet is
within reach.
