The Logistics Sector on the Southern Shores of the Western ... - cetmo

October 2010<strong>The</strong> <strong>Logistics</strong> <strong>Sector</strong>on the Southern Shores of the Western Mediterraneanother than the Ministry of Transport and have not yet been properly applied to this sector. Inshort, they are initiatives stemming from and managed by government departments.<strong>The</strong> analysis of the logistics sector carried out for this study also showed that, besides thegreat vitality of the private companies, there is a strong culture of individualism and littleinclination to form partnerships or group together into professional associations. <strong>The</strong> lack ofcooperation between operating companies coincides with the lack of relations betweenoperators and government departments.In this context, there are three characteristics of the cluster approach which speak in favourof it being applied with the aim of improving modernizing processes in the Maghreb:• <strong>The</strong> cluster concept itself reaches beyond logistics and transport operators to involveother sectors whose contribution is necessary to improve the operation of the logisticssystem as a whole.• Cluster methodology gives priority to companies and is an essential addition to relationsand negotiations between the government and the private sector, where the prime role ofgovernment departments is indisputable.• <strong>The</strong> cluster concept, in its most recent understanding and practical applications, is also aformula which makes it possible to facilitate collaboration with government departments,even if the these departments do not play a dominant role, and to contribute to theimplementation of sectoral plans.Clusters and the Competitiveness of <strong>Sector</strong>s or Groups of Companies<strong>The</strong> cluster concept, which stems from Michael Porter's theories of competitiveness, is basedon the idea that development is encouraged by grouping competing companies together tocreate a critical mass, which makes it easier for them to access resources, share knowledgeand undertake measures aimed at improving their position in the sector and promotinginnovation. It is also a question of making up for limitations such as inadequate negotiatingpower with other companies, limited access to finance, problems integrating technologiesand shortfalls in vocational and business qualifications. <strong>The</strong> cluster concept is based on anincrease in competitive capacity and cannot be used as a protectionist sectoral policy.Clusters aim at improving the efficiency and profitability of business activities, achievingcompetitive advantages such as increased productivity, greater innovation and a broaderrange of activities, as well as creating new companies. <strong>The</strong>se are desirable objectives for thefive countries studied.Experience shows that the key to the success of a cluster lies in achieving a sufficient criticalmass of companies from within the sector who are interested in the initiative, as well ashaving the benefit of collaboration with other support sectors (government departments,universities, technological centres, etc.).In practice, three types of clusters combine criteria of similarity and interdependence:• Regional clusters are based on geographical proximity and concentration. This type ofcluster is relevant to ports and logistics zones.• <strong>Sector</strong>al clusters: the fundamental factor here lies in sharing the same problems,approach and language. This is the case for road transport, forwarding agents andlogistics operators.192 CETMO