LOGISTICS COMPANIES IN THE CONTEXT OF INDUSTRY 4.0: THE CASE OF LITHUANIA

ABSTRACT

In recent decades, the world has experienced rapid economic growth, driven by the intensive development and implementation of innovative technologies in various areas of production and services. Companies seeking to remain competitive in the market are forced to adapt as quickly as possible to the changes brought about by the fourth industrial revolution. The logistics sector, which is an integral part of any country’s economy and plays one of the leading roles in the physical movement of goods and services, is no exception. Industry 4.0 solutions in the field of transport and logistics mean the implementation of reading, automation, and advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotization, and big analytics, in industrial processes to simplify the logistics process and manage information in real time, ensuring timely data availability and accessibility for process managers in the supply chain. Taking into account the importance of logistics, the article analyses the trends in the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in the Lithuanian logistics sector. The purpose of the study is to assess how the Lithuanian logistics sector adapts to these changes, what technologies are already being applied, and what challenges it faces. During the study, it was observed that the size of the company has an impact on the implementation of technologies; therefore, the results in this paper will be presented through the logistics company size prism. Methods applied: systematic analysis of scientific literature, statistical data analysis.

Keywords:
logistics sector; Industry 4.0; innovations; technologies

1 INTRODUCTION

The logistics sector is one of the fastest-growing activities, playing an essential role in the movement of goods and services. During the past few decades, the logistics sector has undergone significant changes, from basic modes of transportation to advanced technologies that facilitate a smoother and faster movement of goods. Industrial revolutions have also encouraged investment in innovation and its application to streamline logistics processes and provide timely information throughout the supply chain. In recent years, the implementation of innovative technologies has become the primary trend of activity of modern companies to stay in the market and not lose competitiveness. However, implementing innovation is a complex process that requires high costs in human resources, knowledge, and competence. Scientists define Industry 4.0 as a revolution, which is defined as a new level of organisation and the value chain of the entire product life cycle, focused on increasingly individualised customer needs, which affect areas such as order management, research and development, production, and supply Rüßmann, (2015), Stearns (2020), Xu et al. (2018). One of the fundamental problems of companies is flexibility and response to market changes in real-time. Many companies had to update their production processes to meet the needs of their customers. Mohamed (2019) notes that digitisation ensures competitiveness for manufacturers, encourages the inclusion of innovations in production processes, and guarantees a perfect production system, more flexible, adaptable, and intelligent. Brümmerstedt et al. (2017), Chen et al. (2023), Proto et al. (2020), Ti (2023), Tijan et al. (2019), and Zerrad et al. (2025) emphasize that this guarantees a perfect, flexible, adaptable, and intelligent production system. When analysing the Lithuanian case, it was noted that logistics is one of the most promising areas in which Industry 4.0 technologies are applied. According to data from the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications, in 2023, 29 percent more was invested in the sector than in 2022, amounting to up to 1.62 billion euros. The implementation of innovations has remained unchanged, it accounts for over 3% every two years Official Statistics Portal (2025). Taking this into account, this article analysed how Lithuanian logistics companies implement innovations, what technologies are most relevant to small and large logistics companies, and their technological differences. It also aims to determine future perspectives on implementing innovation in this sector. The study consists of four parts. The next chapter will analyse the scientific literature related to Industry 4.0 and its trends in the logistics sector. The method used in the study will be presented in the third part. The last part will show the results of the research.

2 BACKGROUND

Industry 4.0. is associated with significant changes - innovations are created rapidly, which is the main difference from past industrial revolutions. According to Gökalp et al. (2017), the main feature of Industry 4.0 is the implementation of connective, intelligent, and self-controlling processes and system structures Çiğdem, Meidute-Kavaliauskiene and Yıldız (2023), Schwab and Davis (2018) also agree with this and present four main directions of change:

• Development of digital technologies, where more advanced ways of using computing are being developed, which will develop abilities and increase expectations related to information storage, management, and transmission;

• Technologies of the physical world - digital infrastructure helps to create technologies that provide materials, cloud services, and interactive devices to the living environment;

• Technologies of human change, biotechnology, virtual and augmented reality influence self-understanding and perception of reality;

• Environmental integration: Technologies that support infrastructure development and energy production methods based on renewable materials and practices can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

So, these trends consist of 12 main trends in Industry 4.0, which are being developed and constantly improved, and can often interact with each other and influence the application of modern technologies in industry and other areas of life. Scientists distinguish the following technologies that are inseparable from digitisation: Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, Cyberphysical Systems, and Intelligent Sensors Seyhan (2023), Tofan and Jakubavičius (2018). However, the transition to digital space increases the risk of cyber threats. Reliable and secure communication ensuring machine and user data safety is an integral part of digitisation. Therefore, a safe and substantial connection between physical, digital, and services can improve the quality of information needed to plan, optimise, and operate manufacturing systems Meidute-Kavaliauskiene et al., 2021).

Many new technologies of Industry 4.0, from processing market requirements and production planning to delivering intelligent products to end users, are applicable in logistics activities Radivojević and Milosavljević (2019), Wang (2016). Innovative technologies in logistics help solve the problems of efficiency and time reduction, thus increasing profit margin. Logistics processes have changed and improved, driven by the need for a fast and secure movement of goods. Innovations in logistics help process a large amount of information, enhance the integration of logistics processes, and promote the automation of processes not only in logistics, but in the entire supply chain Heidary Dahooie et al., (2021). Kahn (2018) defines supply chain innovation as a change in the supply chain network, technology, or supply chain processes (or combinations) (Kahn, 2018). The innovations implemented in logistics help to more efficiently manage the submission of orders, movement of goods, storage, invoicing, and other areas Monferdini et al. (2025), Rouidi et al. (2024), which also allows for cost savings by optimising resource allocation Kantar (2022), Shivam and Gupta (2024).

Szymanska et al. (2017) point out that Industry 4.0 in logistics combines two aspects: process and technical tools and technologies that support internal processes in supply chains. Szymańska et al. (2017). Bag et al. (2020) also agree with this, indicating three main directions: vertical integration (integration of information technology at various levels within the factory); horizontal integration (cooperation between corporations); end-to-end engineering integration (linking stakeholders, products, and machines together). Therefore, all involve systematic planning and control of the movement of physical goods and the related information flow throughout the life cycle Bag et al. (2020).

Kayikci (2018) emphasises the features of digitization of the logistics system, highlighting specific areas of activity where they are most evident:

• Cooperation: digitization allows for the creation of virtual logistics clusters for the exchange of data and information.

• Connectivity - digitisation enables horizontal and vertical integration in supply chains and the availability of information across separate chains.

• Adaptability - the flexibility of the system for connecting digital resources, which allows you to respond to market changes.

• Integration - Integrating different logistics systems physically or functionally connects various computer systems and software to ensure coordination of logistics flow.

• Automation - Innovative technologies used in logistics systems can communicate with each other and make independent decisions based on their own environmental data processing.

• Cognition - the application of devices and systems to automate tasks that require human skills, knowledge, perception, and cognition (planning, reasoning, and learning).

Consequently, the effective and purposeful application of technology in the field of logistics should include decisions related to the planning of logistics processes, support of warehouse operations and placement of goods in warehouses, management of intelligent transport systems and management of secure information flows Barreto et al. (2017).

To meet these solutions, the most common technologies are used, such as the Internet of Things, cyberphysical systems, big data analytics, intelligent transport systems, blockchain, drones, robots, telematics technologies, and autonomous vehicles and cloud computing Çiğdem et al. (2023), Heidary Dahooie et al. (2021), Meidute-Kavaliauskiene et al. (2021), Radivojević and Milosavljević (2019), Torbacki and Kijewska (2019), Winkelhaus and Grosse (2020).

The operation of Internet of Things logistics is based on the most modern information and communication technology (ICT), which allows for marking, identification, communication, and intelligent control of processes. According to this concept, things become intelligent objects that can identify, communicate, and interact with each other. The realization of the Internet of Things creates a virtual reality model where different business entities can manage processes in real-time, receiving information about the current state of objects Radivojević and Milosavljević (2019). According to Efthymiou and Ponis (2021), the logistics industry is one of the most suitable areas to apply the Internet of Things Efthymiou and Ponis (2021). The Internet of Things enables the integration of various parts of the supply chain and the collection and analysis of data. In logistics, the Internet of Things is used in handheld scanners that digitise storage and delivery processes and sensors that help monitor cargo integrity and truck performance. In addition, one of the most critical areas of logistics is inventory and storage management, where IoT sensors allow companies to track inventory and easily monitor their condition and location; sensors provide data that will help predict future inventory needs. Implementing Internet of Things technology will help avoid situations where there is insufficient or excess inventory; it will help prevent losses, ensure safe storage of goods, and quickly locate goods Ivankova et al. (2020). Implementing the Internet of Things in logistics provides a fast and efficient result. It offers the opportunity to automate processes to reduce manual work, improve quality, and reduce operational costs.

The other most common technology applied in logistics activities is cloud computing, the use of various computer services on the Internet. The main features of cloud computing are providing services at the user’s request, broad network access, mutual use of resources, and flexibility of use. All this means that users can use computing resources when and as much as they need, can connect to the Internet using different devices, many users can use the same resources, and cloud systems automatically monitor and measure the use of resources for each user. Cloud computing in logistics has many advantages; It enables quick, efficient, and flexible access to information technology services and innovative solutions in supply chains. Logistics companies would no longer need to invest in purchasing software and hardware infrastructure, developing their IT sector, and coordinating integration with business partners Radivojević and Milosavljević (2019). Internet of Things processes, such as planning, communication, fast service, and payment, etc., combine into a centralised real-time cloud computing network Ivankova et al. (2020). Therefore, cloud computing and the Internet of Things are inseparable systems that interact to provide the best results for companies.

The Internet of Things brings things together and enables them to interact and share information, while cloud computing provides a high-quality technology platform for resource integration. Big data technology analyzes the data collected by the Internet of Things in combination with cloud computing technology. According to Sagiroglu and Sinanc (2013), big data is a technology that examines ways to analyse and systematically extract information from extensive data sets Sagiroglu and Sinanc (2013). These data sets are too large or complex to be processed using traditional software. Big data can be characterised as a large amount of data generated and stored, various types and nature, speed of data processing, and high data quality. Song et al. (2021) distinguishes four possibilities for using big data in logistics Song et al. (2021).

1. Forecasting of consumption demand: It is possible to predict consumer demand by collecting and analysing big data, including consumer consumption characteristics, sales records, purchasing platforms, etc., which helps to plan warehousing and transportation.

2. Equipment maintenance planning: using a real-time IoT system that reads the operational status of equipment and performs big data analysis to predict early maintenance and extend equipment life.

3. Distribution network and route planning: a logistics trajectory system based on real-time big data analysis that allows you to track the movement of products, manage stocks, and optimize material flows and supplies for production or distribution.

4. Risk prediction in the supply chain: By collecting and analysing big data in the supply chain, systems can predict potential risks, such as trade risks and product damage caused by unexpected circumstances.

Another innovation in logistics processes is cyberphysical systems (CPS), which monitor the processes in real life and transfer them to the virtual world, decentralising them. The operation of CPS is based on the use of sensors in Internet of Things systems. It enables things to communicate and interact with each other or people in real-time. According to Amr et al. (2019), CPS is developed by integrating technological systems (sensors, robots, trucks, etc.) and cloud computing as a centralised data storage tool. This integration brightens the factory and all its components, including products, services, and logistics. In logistics, these systems improve transportation and storage efficiency, reduce storage and production costs, and help achieve greater customer satisfaction Bhavani et al. (2022).

One of the most critical factors to ensure uninterrupted logistics activities is the traceability and control of material and information flows. This is provided by RFID identification technology, which enables companies to collect and share accurate information on the status of products in the supply chain, inventory levels, and more. According to Usama and Ramish (2020), the most critical areas of RFID that can be applied in logistics are storage management and control, route planning, production quality and problem tracking, material flow tracking during transportation, customer service, and inventory planning Usama and Ramish (2020).

Blockchain technology ensures data security, authenticity, and reliability, so that this technology can be perfectly applied in the logistics sector. During the product life cycle, from production to consumer, the generated data can be documented and stored, creating a product history accessible to all interested parties. Also, blockchain technology effectively helps record asset information in the supply chain, track orders, receipts, invoices, payments, and other essential documents, and track digital assets such as warranties, certificates, licences, etc. Heidary Dahooie et al. (2021), Tijan et al. (2019). Furthermore, since blockchain is a decentralized technology, it effectively contributes to sharing information between suppliers and vendors about the production process and delivery, creating a new and secure way of collaboration Litke et al. (2019). Therefore, blockchain technology provides complete visibility of the supply chain and management of related information, helps reduce errors and delays, reduces transportation costs, helps manage inventory, and identifies problems faster Meidute-Kavaliauskiene et al. (2021).

Therefore, in summary, it can be said that the applicability of Industry 4.0 technologies in the logistics sector is a relevant topic. Many of the technologies of the Industrial Revolution can be applied in logistics because they are related to the management of material and information flows. Information availability, continuous analysis, and management are the most relevant areas. The analysis showed that the main opportunities to improve logistics processes are increasing the efficiency, speed, visibility, and availability of appropriate processes. Thus, Industry 4.0 technologies and their application methods in the logistics sector do not fundamentally replace existing systems, but supplement them by improving ways to deal with larger-scale problems and ever-increasing amounts of data.

3 METHODOLOGY

A questionnaire survey was used to assess the current situation of logistics companies in Lithuania in terms of innovation and the use of Industry 4.0 technologies. According to Gaižauskaitė and Mikėnė (2014), the essence of the questionnaire survey method consists of a questionnaire, which is prepared with preformulated and presented questions in a particular order, the final result of which is a set of structured data Gaižauskaitė and Mikėnė (2014). The questionnaire survey method was chosen due to convenient data collection; answers are collected quickly and qualitatively. The results can be processed and interpreted using digital tools and software. This survey aims to find out and evaluate the digitisation trends of Lithuanian logistics companies and the possibilities of applying Industry 4.0 technologies in logistics processes.

To compare the results between different groups, we chose to compare the answers depending on the size of the company. The company-size responses were grouped into two groups:

1. Micro (up to 10 employees) and small (from 11 to 50 employees) organisations;

2. Medium-sized (from 51 to 250 employees) and large (from 251 employees) organisations.

This grouping was done to apply the Mann-Whitney U test. This test compares means when the data are ordinal and interval variables that do not have a normal distribution. This test compares two independent samples. The main possible conclusions are: the p-value is lower than α (p< α=0.05), which means that the distributions differ statistically significantly; the p-value is more significant than α (p> α=0.05), meaning that the distributions are not statistically significantly different. Furthermore, the average scores of the answers of different groups were calculated. This test aims to analyse whether companies of different sizes evaluate the implementation of innovations in the same way and in which areas the differences in the answers to the statements are determined by the organisation’s size. These tests were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software.

4 RESULTS

The results of the study were obtained using a quantitative survey. A questionnaire survey was chosen as the primary data collection method to assess the ability of Lithuanian logistics companies to calculate and apply Industry 4.0 technologies. A pilot study was not conducted before the main questionnaire was sent out. The survey sample consisted of companies from the 370 representatives of the logistics sector, selected using targeted sampling. The sample of respondents was divided by company size: very small and small (up to 50 employees) and medium and large (more than 51 employees). The survey was conducted online, using the Google Forms platform, in October - December 2024, with a 45% response rate achieved. Data were statistically processed: descriptive statistics were applied, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess differences between groups. Calculations were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software. Statistical data analysis showed a considerable difference between transport and storage companies, based on their size, which implemented innovations; it would not be appropriate to evaluate the respondents’ responses in general. Therefore, it is essential to analyse how respondents from organizations of different sizes evaluated the statements made about the company’s innovative activities and to check whether the answers differ significantly.

In Table 1, it is noticeable that the answers to the statement “Your company is actively looking for new opportunities for innovation implementation” differ statistically significantly (p=0.013< 0.05) depending on whether a micro, and a small organisation answered or a medium, and a large organization. Looking at the averages of the responses, micro and small organisations neither agreed nor disagreed (3.24 points) with the statement. In comparison, medium and large organisations agreed (3.93 points) with the given statement. It can be assumed that larger companies are more determined to implement innovations, look for opportunities, and invest in financial, time, and human resources in the search. The answers to other statements about the company’s innovative activities did not differ statistically significantly (p=0.140; 0.985; 0.145; 0.300>0.05), and the mean values of the points assigned coincided.

Table 1
Differences in attitudes towards a company’s innovative activities.

A statement about the company’s innovative activities	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
Your company uses digital tools and technologies to manage logistics processes.	A micro and small organization	3.64	0.140
	A medium and large organization	4.13
Your company is open to new technologies and innovations.	A micro and small organization	4.02	0.985
	A medium and large organization	4.07
Your company is actively looking for new opportunities for innovation.	A micro and small organization	3.24	0.013
	A medium and large organization	3.93
Your company encourages the experimentation and testing of new ideas and technologies in logistics processes.	A micro and small organization	2.95	0.145
	A medium and large organization	3.67
Your company is ready to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies	A micro and small organization	3.14	0.300
	A medium and large organization	3.47

The next set of questions to be analysed are the statements about the management of the innovation implementation of companies (see Table 2).

Table 2
Differences in approaches to managing corporate innovation.

Statements about corporate innovation implementation management	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
Your company uses data analytics to identify areas for innovation to improve processes.	A micro and small organization	2.50	0.025
	A medium and large organization	3.47
Your company cooperates with other companies or research institutions to develop and implement innovative solutions.	A micro and small organization	2.36	0.405
	A medium and large organization	2.73
Your company faced challenges in implementing Industry 4.0 technologies.	A micro and small organization	2.43	0.058
	A medium and large organization	3.00
Your company analyses the impact of the implemented innovations	A micro and small organization	2.50	0.046
	A medium and large organization	3.40

Analysing the differences in the responses of the groups, it can be seen in Table 2 that the responses of the organisations’ size groups differ statistically significantly (p=0.025<0.05). It can be seen that a micro and small organization gave the statement 2.50 points, while medium and large organizations gave almost one point more, 3.47. Another statement whose responses differed statistically significantly depending on the size of the company is that the company analyses the impact of the innovations introduced (p=0.046<0.05). On average, micro and small companies gave this statement a score of 2.50, while medium and large companies scored 3.40. It can be assumed that medium and large organisations are more engaged in data analysis, both in search of areas that can be improved during the implementation of innovations and in studying the impact of innovations after their introduction into work processes. Additionally, larger organisations can be assumed to have more employees who could handle this. In contrast, small organisations do not have enough employees to deal with a specific area and implement innovations. The responses to the other statements of this group did not differ statistically significantly between the size groups (p=0.405; 0.058>0.05).

Another group of statements analysed is about investments in innovative activities (see Table 3). The responses to the statement about companies investing in R&D differed statistically significantly (p=0.042<0.05) according to company size. Micro and small companies rated this statement with 2 points, and medium and large companies with 2.73 points. This means that smaller companies do not agree with the statement given, and larger companies neither agree nor disagree. However, this does not mean that larger companies invest much in R&D to improve logistics processes. It can also be seen that the organisations of both groups neither agree nor disagree that they invest in the implementation of Industry 4.0 innovations (2.21; 3.27 points) and are not statistically significantly different (p=0.151>0.05). Thus, it is concluded that, regardless of the company’s size, investing in innovative activities is irrelevant among the respondents.

Table 3
Differences in attitudes towards companies investing in innovation.

A statement about corporate investment in innovation	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
Your company invests in the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and innovations in its company.	A micro and small organization	2.71	0.151
	A medium and large organization	3.27
Your company invests in research and development to improve logistics processes	A micro and small organization	2.00	0.042
	A medium and large organization	2.73

The following is a group of statements about the participation of company employees in innovative activities (see Table 4).

Table 4
Differences in attitudes towards the participation of company employees in innovative activities.

A statement about the involvement of the company’s employees in innovative activities	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
Your company provides digital training and resources for employees.	A micro and small organization	2.36	0.014
	A medium and large organization	3.47
Employees effectively use digital tools and technologies in their work processes.	A micro and small organization	3.36	0.147
	A medium and large organization	4.07
Your company has a special team or department responsible for implementing innovations.	A micro and small organization	1.81	0.001
	A medium and large organization	3.20
Your company involves employees in identifying areas for innovation	A micro and small organization	2.86	0.107
	A medium and large organization	3.47

Analysing Table 4, a significant difference in score is observed between the responses of the organisational size groups to the statement that the company has a special department that would be responsible for the implementation of innovations. Micro and small organisations gave this statement 1.81 points, and medium and large organizations gave 3.20 points. Furthermore, the responses to this statement between the two groups differ statistically significantly (p=0.001<0.05). This may mean that medium- and large-sized organisations have more resources to form separate departments for innovative activities. Additionally, a statistically significant difference is observed for the statement that the company provides digital training and resources to its employees (p=0.014<0.05). Micro and small organisations did not agree with this statement (2.36 points). On the contrary, medium and large organisations neither agreed nor disagreed (3.47). Still, the score is close to agreement, so it can be said that larger organisations are more inclined to educate employees about digitisation in the field. The answers to the statements that employees use digital tools to perform work processes and that the company involves employees in determining areas of innovation did not differ statistically significantly (p=0.147; 0.107>0.05).

Analysing statements about the use of industry 4.0 individual technologies in the organisation (Table 5), it is observed that the responses between the size groups of the organizations are statistically different for the statements that the company uses data analysis and artificial intelligence (p=0.006<0.05), that the company uses the Internet of Things (p=0.013<0.05) and that the company manages the cyber security risks related to these technologies (p=0.014<0.05). Medium and large companies assigned higher scores to all these statements (3.07, 3.20, and 3.67 points, respectively) than micro and small companies (2.02, 2.24, and 2.62 points, respectively), meaning that larger organisations implement Industry 4.0 innovations more than smaller ones. Since the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies is costly and requires many changes in all work processes, larger companies are more inclined to invest in them; for smaller companies, the implementation of such technologies can cause huge losses, so small companies do not agree with the statements that they use the listed Industry 4.0 technologies. Since medium and large companies agreed more with these statements, it is natural that the answer to information on cybersecurity, which requires understanding the risks posed by technology, agrees. The score is higher than that of small and medium companies. The responses between the size groups of the companies were not statistically significant for the statement that the company uses blockchain technology (p=0.084>0.05), which means that, on average, companies, regardless of their size, are not inclined to implement this technology in their processes.

Table 5
Views on the use of Industry 4.0 technologies in the company.

Statement on the use of Industry 4.0 innovations in the company	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
Your company uses blockchain technology in logistics operations.	A micro and small organization	1.90	0.084
	A medium and large organization	2.67
Your company uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to optimise logistics processes.	A micro and small organization	2.02	0.006
	A medium and large organization	3.07
Your company uses the Internet of Things.	A micro and small organization	2.24	0.013
	A medium and large organization	3.20
Your company manages the cybersecurity risks associated with technologies such as the Internet of Things and cloud computing	A micro and small organization	2.62	0.014
	A medium and large organization	3.67

Analysing the group of statements on the readiness of the Lithuanian logistics industry to implement innovations (Table 6), the results obtained show that the answers of the company size groups do not differ statistically significantly for any of the statements (p=0.818; 0.149; 0.207>0.05). Well, it can be said that, regardless of the company’s size, all respondents assess the readiness of the Lithuanian logistics industry to implement innovations similarly.

Table 6
Views on the readiness of the Lithuanian logistics industry to implement innovations in the environment.

Statement about the environment of the Lithuanian logistics industry’s readiness to implement innovations	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
The Lithuanian logistics industry is up to date with the latest technological innovations and trends.	A micro and small organization	3.24	0.818
	A medium and large organization	3.33
Logistics companies in Lithuania invest enough in researching and developing innovations to improve their processes.	A micro and small organization	2.79	0.149
	A medium and large organization	3.27
Logistics companies in Lithuania are open to implementing new technologies and innovations in their processes	A micro and small organization	3.26	0.207
	A medium and large organization	3.60

Another group of statements analysed is on existing opportunities to introduce innovations in the Lithuanian logistics industry (Table 7). In this group of statements, there is no statistically significant difference between the responses of micro and small companies and medium and large companies (p=0.274; 0.491>0.05). Regardless of the size, the respondents similarly evaluate opportunities to implement innovations in the Lithuanian logistics industry.

Table 7
Views on innovation opportunities in the Lithuanian logistics industry.

Statement on the Possibilities of implementing innovations in the Lithuanian logistics industry	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
In Lithuania, there are enough opportunities for logistics companies, scientific institutions, and other interested parties to cooperate.	A micro and small organization	2.98	0.274
	A medium and large organization	3.33
The Lithuanian government provides sufficient support and incentives to logistics companies to adopt and implement innovations in their processes	A micro and small organization	2.17	0.491
	A medium and large organization	2.53

The last group of statements analysed is about the importance of Industry 4.0 technologies for the competitiveness of the Lithuanian logistics industry. The results obtained did not show statistically significant differences between the responses to the given statements (p=0.992; 0.359>0.05). To the statement that the company considers the implementation of innovations as the leading indicator of competitiveness, both micro and small organisations, as well as medium and large organizations, responded on average that they neither agree nor disagree (3.24; 3.27 points). To the statement that the implementation of innovations will be necessary for competitiveness in the future, both groups of companies responded with agreement (4.19; 3.93 points). This means that companies are not yet ready to recognise the importance of innovation now, but believe that innovation will have greater significance in the future (Table 8).

Table 8
Differences in group responses to statements about the importance of Industry 4.0 technologies for the competitiveness of the Lithuanian logistics industry.

Statement on the importance of Industry 4.0 technologies for the competitiveness of the Lithuanian logistics industry	Company size	The average score of the answers	p-value
Your company considers innovation to be a key indicator of competitiveness.	A micro and small organization	3.24	0.992
	A medium and large organization	3.27
Implementing innovations is essential for the competitiveness of the Lithuanian logistics industry in the future	A micro and small organization	4.19	0.359
	A medium and large organization	3.93

Summing up the differences in the significance of the answers between micro- and small companies and medium- and large companies, it can be seen that the data are statistically significantly different in response to the statements: “Your company is actively looking for new opportunities for the implementation of innovations”; “Your company uses data analysis to identify areas for innovation to improve processes”; “Your company analyses the impact of implemented innovations”; “Your company invests in research and development to improve logistics processes”; “Your company provides digital training and resources for employees”; “Your company has a special team or department responsible for implementing innovations”; “Your company uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to optimise logistics processes”; “Your company uses the Internet of Things”; “Your company manages the cybersecurity risks associated with technologies such as the Internet of Things and cloud computing”.

Medium and large companies are more actively looking for opportunities to carry out innovative activities. They use data analysis to identify areas where these innovations can be implemented and analyse their impact. Furthermore, it was observed that, unlike micro and small organisations, medium and large organizations involve employees more in innovative activities and provide them with training and digital tools to carry out work processes. The results of the conducted test showed that medium and large companies are increasingly implementing Industry 4.0 technologies, such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, and managing the associated cybersecurity risks. It can be assumed that micro and small organisations are not ready to accept the inevitable digital changes related to Industry 4.0 technologies. On the contrary, medium and large organisations show more positive results on this topic.

Research limitations: the study was conducted only in Lithuania; for this reason, the results may not necessarily be applicable in a global context. This limitation can also be eliminated in future research, perhaps by highlighting regional specificity. This study could be further developed in the future by indepth interviews, which would reveal the motives behind the companies’ attitudes. Only a part of the Industry 4.0 solutions were analysed, which are planned to be expanded in the future.

5 CONCLUSION

Many innovative technologies, such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, cyberphysical systems, blockchains, and other Industry 4.0 technologies, can be applied to improve logistics processes, as their digitisation helps to optimize processes, simplify workflows, and provide transparency and continuous visibility of the supply chain. Innovations in logistics are applied as a support tool that reduces the number of errors, improves quality, accelerates, and ensures the uninterrupted execution of processes. Industry 4.0 technologies and innovations do not replace existing work processes and systems, but enhance them, help manage large amounts of data, emerging problems, and increase the availability and visibility of processes at the right time for all interested parties.

Every year, Lithuania invests more and more in R&D and provides companies with various financial support for innovative activities, but only 2.4 % of companies in the logistics sector receive financial support. Furthermore, logistics companies that implemented innovations in 2020 were the least of all industries, only 41.6 %, and the share of company funds allocated to innovative activities from turnover in 2020 reached only 1.7 %. Thus, companies in the logistics sector implement innovations slowly, do not invest enough in creative activities, and do not take advantage of financial support opportunities. Also, a significant difference was found between the number of companies that implemented innovations and the size of the company. Transport and storage sector 2018-2020, 34.4% of small, 63.5% of medium, and 85% of large companies implemented innovations. Large companies have more funds, human resources, and are more prepared to carry out innovative activities. This was reflected in the comparison of the results of the questionnaire survey by company size. Medium and large companies evaluated the following statements more positively than micro and small companies: the company is actively looking for opportunities to introduce innovations; the company analyses data to determine suitable areas; the company analyzes the impact of implemented innovations; the company invests in R&D; the company provides digital resources to employees; the company has a particular team or department responsible for innovation; the company uses data analysis, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and manages cyber security related to these technologies. Thus, micro- and small-sized enterprises are not as strongly prepared for technological changes; they lack resources and knowledge about existing funding support and innovation opportunities. Meanwhile, it is easier for large companies to embrace and take advantage of the changes that come with Industry 4.0.

The results of the study confirm that Industry 4.0 technologies in the logistics sector allow companies to automate processes, thereby reducing the risk of errors and improving supply chain control in real time. These technologies do not replace existing systems, but strengthen them - they allow for more efficient data management, make operational decisions, and coordinate activities at various stages of the supply chain. The results of the study confirmed that companies of different sizes implement innovations differently. Larger companies are more prepared to implement technologies because they have the necessary resources, while small and micro companies remain on the periphery of innovations. This result raises the question of whether small companies risk being eliminated from international supply chains due to technological lag. Therefore, to ensure sustainable development of the sector and protect against technological exclusion, systematic cooperation between the state, scientific institutions, and industry is needed, focused on knowledge transfer, technological education, and promotion of the data economy. Thus, the logistics sector in Lithuania is currently in a transitional stage. The study revealed clear structural obstacles and growth opportunities. This creates a foundation for future research: analysis of the technological divide between companies by size, the impact of artificial intelligence applications, the impact of technology on competitive advantage, and the impact of digital transformation on employees.

Data Availability

All the data used will be available upon request.

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• Funding
  There is no funding for this research.
• Declaration of generative AI in scientific writing
  No artificial intelligence has been used in this article.

Edited by

• Editor responsible for the review
  Editor-in-Chief: Annibal Parracho Sant’Anna.

Data availability

Data citations

PORTAL OS. 2025. Available at: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize#/ database of Indicators [Online]. Available:.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  06 Feb 2026
• Date of issue
  2026

History

• Received
  10 June 2025
• Accepted
  28 Oct 2025