The Impact of Transport and Logistics Infrastructure on Foreign Economic Activity: A Quantitative Empirical Analysis

Abstract

The method used in this study is empirical quantitative research which aims to scientifically examine the relationship between the development of transport and logistics infrastructure with foreign economic activity. The primary data was gathered using a structured questionnaire with 5-point Likert scale questions from 350 professionals in logistic, transport, customs, import/export and supply chain management in the industry. The conceptual model is based on four independent variables (transport infrastructure, logistics efficiency, customs procedures and trade facilitation, digital logistics technologies) and one dependent variable (foreign economic activity). The analysis of data was done with SPSS and descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (Cronbach Alpha), Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results show that the overall regression model is highly significant (R² = 0.628, F = 145.363, p < 0.001). Digital logistics technologies have the highest positive effect (β = 0.872, p < 0.001) followed by logistics efficiency (β = 0.125, p = 0.029). The customs procedure has a significant negative effect (β = –0.202, p = 0.006) and transport infrastructure does not show a significant effect (β = 0.019, p = 0.753). H2, H4 and H5 are accepted and H1 and H3 are rejected on the basis of hypothesis testing. The statistics make for solid empirical evidence on the importance of digital technologies and logistics efficiency as the two most important factors for foreign economic activity, and not least customs efficiency, still being a big challenge.