Digital dynamic capabilities that may enhance port efficiency

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.