Abstract
This research was undertaken in New Zealand and Australia during 2012, to identify opportunities for, and
barriers to, innovation in the freight and logistics component of selected export supply chains. The
research was undertaken in two phases, the first a desktop review of similar studies completed in
New Zealand and overseas. Three export sectors were then chosen for more in-depth analysis (namely
forestry, meat and wine). The second phase of the research incorporated a number of face-to-face
discussions with a sample group of sector participants and industry peak bodies.
The desktop research and the discussions with industry participants were used to identify a number of key
trends in innovation common across all sectors. These included collaboration between industry
participants, use of information technology, increased transparency and control of supply chains, new
transport technologies, supply chain restructuring to generate cost savings, leveraging international
relationships to generate economies of scale and realisation of the benefits of like industries clustered in
the same location.
A number of recommendations have been made for further actions to assist in addressing specific issues
and/or barriers to innovation.