Governing digital transformation in ports: Policy learning from the 5G-LOGINNOV project

Abstract Background Seaports constitute strategic nodes in global supply chains and play a central role in the ongoing digital and green transition. Technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in logistics. However, their successful deployment depends not only on technological maturity but also on effective governance frameworks and coordinated stakeholder engagement. The 5G-LOGINNOV project addressed this intersection between innovation and governance by linking technical experimentation with policy learning to support the transition toward smart ports. Methods The study employed an integrated methodological framework that combines the Collaborative Governance Regime (CGR) with the GUEST lean business methodology. This approach facilitates sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration and ensures that experimental outcomes are translated into validated business models and policy recommendations. Empirical evidence was collected from three Living Labs—Athens, Hamburg, and Koper—through workshops, interviews, and surveys involving private and public sector actors. Results The integrated CGR–GUEST approach led to the co-creation of policy frameworks guiding 5G deployment in ports and hinterland networks. It identified major implementation barriers—technical, infrastructural, regulatory, and organizational—and produced actionable recommendations to address them. The framework also enhanced the comparability of pilot results and supported the translation of innovation outcomes into policy-relevant insights. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that 5G deployment in logistics is not merely a technological endeavor but a governance challenge. By integrating structured governance mechanisms with lean innovation tools, the proposed framework bridges experimentation and policy, offering a replicable model for aligning disruptive technologies with broader sustainability and competitiveness objectives.