Publication Details
Abstract
Public logistics (PL) has emerged as a transformative paradigm in the governance of supply chains, infrastructure networks, and service delivery systems at the intersection of public administration and logistics management. Unlike private logistics, which prioritizes firm-level efficiency and profit maximization, public logistics operates within a framework of social welfare, equity, sustainability, and national strategic interest. This article investigates the theoretical foundations of public logistics, examining seminal contributions from classical logistics theory, new public management, and contemporary supply chain governance scholarship. Drawing on international case studies from the European Union, Singapore, the United States, China, South Korea, and emerging economies in Central Asia, the paper analyzes how governments have institutionalized PL principles to enhance urban mobility, disaster response, humanitarian aid distribution, customs efficiency, and green freight management. The study also explores multi-modal integration, digital transformation, and the role of public-private partnerships (PPP) in advancing logistics performance. The article concludes that effective public logistics requires adaptive governance, coordinated policy frameworks, and sustained investment in logistics infrastructure and human capital, offering practical recommendations for transition economies seeking to modernize their logistics ecosystems.