The dramatic change of international logistics environment makes major ports in the world to strengthen their position as a core base of global logistics system. Therefore, they have been trying to be such ports able to be operated high technically and to be served comprehensively. Nowadays, the ports are not a simple space to handle goods but a place to do simultaneously various functions of logistics hub for overall services, including loading, storage, distribution, exhibition, operation and sales. To build this hub, a shipping and port logistics cluster has to be constructed and operated efficiently in which a synergy effect can be created through cooperation and collaboration in the integrated space with shipping, port, and logistics related industries.
As the domestic prime port, Busan aiming to be a hub in the world need to set up a plan to construct the cluster strategically and systematically and to operate it effectively where all functions of shipping, port, and logistics sectors are integrated.
This study examined some foreign cases of this cluster, and analyzed an existing survey being conducted about the construction and operation of the cluster, targeting shipping, port, and logistics companies. And then, this study drew an approach to construct and operate the cluster in Busan from the results of the survey.
To construct the cluster in Busan, I showed that it is necessary to establish an infra-structure for the cluster, a system of collaboration with the cluster related organizations, and a scheme to support and promote the cluster. In addition, to operate properly this cluster, I suggested that some programs for the liaison among participating organizations, the joint marketing, the training experts, and the development of technology should be firstly carried out.
Moreover, this study listed several details for the approach to construct and operate the cluster, and confirmed the importance of the details through Analytic Hierarchy Process.
According to the result of AHP about the construction of the cluster, this study can determine the ranking that the first approach is the infra-structure, the second is the system for collaboration among participating organizations, and the last is the scheme of cluster support and promotion. In details of the infra-structure, the most important thing is the construction of integrated buildings and facilities, the next are the integration of administration and support, and the development of the complex. In details of the system for collaboration, the orders of ranking are the construction of (1) an integrated information system and linked data base, (2) a one-stop service system, and (3) a system for coordination among stakeholders. In details of the scheme to cluster support and promotion, the orders of ranking are (1) regulatory reforms, (2) tax benefit, finance and administration aids, (3) modification of rules and regulations for the cluster.
According to the result of AHP about the operation of the cluster, this study can not determine the ranking, but the importance of the joint marketing is a little bit higher than others. First of all, in details of the program for the liaison among participating organizations, the orders of ranking are (1) joint development of policies to vitalize the industry, (2) joint utilization of facilities, equipments, and human resources, and (3) coordination among stakeholders. And then, in details of program for the joint marketing, the orders are (1) creation of the new business model, (2) joint market survey and development of new market, and (3) joint PR and event holding. In addition, in details of program for the education and training, the orders are (1) training global logistics manpower, (2) education to train practical experts, (3) support to normal education institute. Finally, in details of program for the development for technology, the orders are (1) jointly developing new skills, (2) operating the center for support to c, (3) providing information to develop technologies and operating database, and (4) exchanging actively technologies.
In conclusion, this study is one of the try to suggest how Busan should construct and operate the cluster to make shipping and port logistics to be high value added, and to come up with a plan to win in the cut-throat competition in the logistics hub around world wide. In other words, this study introduced the concrete approaches for the cluster by the findings of an actual field survey, analyzed the importance of those approaches by AHP through the survey targeting professional groups in the port logistics industry-university collaboration. The result of this study can be utilized as one of the most useful data to make decision of further policies by firms' need in the industry and expert groups' informed judgment for the practical construction and efficient operation of shipping and port logistics cluster in Busan.