How does the logistics industry understand and see the potential of technological breakthroughs in ever- changing social and business landscapes? Since 2013 at our DHL Innovation Centers, we have developed and continually updated the Logistics Trend Radar to highlight upcoming trends that will cause a relevant impact on future logistics. Complementing classic research methodologies, our unique and integrated customer-centric innovation approach helps us to interpret, evaluate, and prepare for what is to come.
Our three Innovation Centers - located in Germany, Singapore, and the United States - form a nexus of inspiration, connection, and engagement for our customers, partners, and colleagues. These centers foster the exchange of perspectives and new ideas that drive logistics innovation.
In order to separate the important signals from background noise in today's dynamic world, we have maintained three key values in developing the Logistics Trend Radar: staying close to customers, to new technology, and to operations.
We collaborate closely with our customers around the world to understand pain points and unmet supply chain needs. We also engage supply chain leaders across all industries to paint a complete picture of the trends impacting the world's supply chains as well as those disproportionately affecting specific industries.
Between each edition of the Logistics Trend Radar, we work directly with hundreds of startups and monitor another 1,000 to keep pace with change and stay ahead of emerging technologies.
To better visualize solutions that can be leveraged to improve supply chain processes, we also spend a great deal of time on-site at our logistics facilities. By listening to the needs of management and staff and walking in their shoes, we remain deeply familiar with all aspects of our air, ocean, road, and rail operations and better able to understand the relevance of emerging trends and their impact on the industry.
This unique and integrated customer-centric approach to innovation complements our trend research and helps us to interpret, evaluate, and prepare for what is to come.