Brussels, 12 June 2013

The European Technology Platform on Logistics, ALICE, was officially launched in Brussels, yesterday. The Platform is set-up to develop a comprehensive strategy for research, innovation and market deployment of logistics and supply chain management innovation in Europe. The platform will support the EU Program for research: Horizon 2020.

European Commission welcomed the initiative of the industry and research sector addressing logistics and supply chain management as its core focus to meet European competitiveness and sustainability targets. This initiative will give external advice and societal engagement to implement logistics related issues in the Horizon 2020 European Commission Program showing complementarities and synergies with current European Technology Platforms in the fields of transport and industry sectors.

Logistics is a key enabling sector for the European economy. Not only does it contribute close to 14% to the GDP of Europe (European Logistics Action Plan, 2007) but its impact on the quality of the EU manufacturing and service sectors is substantial. It is estimated that logistics account for 10 to 15% of the final cost of finished goods, thereby determining the competitiveness of Europe vis-à-vis other world regions. A 10% to 30% improvement in efficiency in the EU logistics sector would potentially equal a € 100 – 300 billion cost relief for the European industry. Six countries out of the global top-10 logistic performers are from the EU in 2012 which means a potential EU leadership in the field. “Efficiency in logistics is a key element for the further growth of industrial activity and trade on a global scale”, said Ralph Keck, ALICE Chairman, P&G Director Product Supply and GTM Innovation. He added “The ultimate challenge will be to make European industry resilient by a true “people, planet and profit” oriented logistics and supply chain sector, i.e. a sector that is economically, environmental and socially sustainable contributing to both industry competitiveness and the EU policy targets.