Logistique et territoire : multiplicité des interactions et forces de régulation

Logistics is not only a fundamental component of firms? strategies and a vehicle for globalization, it is also becoming an issue for regional development and planning. Logistics represents a whole system of spatial and temporal interactions. Its territorial implications are significant. The growing prominence of environmental concerns makes it increasingly important to take account of the spatial dynamics of logistics. The links between logistics and territory can be revealed by a systemic analysis through three dimensions (logistics system, productive patterns and territory). The paper deals with the relationship between these dimensions by mobilizing the literature on regional and industrial economics. This article highlights the current territorial dynamics of logistics and its determinants. Then, it reviews the external strengths acting on the system. It proposes to examine the recent and future changes likely to have an impact on the dynamics of interaction between logistics and territory. Finally, the paper discusses the question of the regulation of logistic facilities and emerging modes of governance in terms of territorial logistics.