Understanding the development of port and regional relationships: a new cooperation/competition matrix

This article argues that the increased competition and uncertainties faced by corporations and countries as a result of the globalisation and volatility of world trade in the first decade of this century have resulted in new collaborative relationships in international logistics. Evidence, largely from Canada, identifies shifts in corporate relationships. The changes are consistent with expectations derived from Williamson’s economics of governance. Relationships between negotiating firms involve greater collaboration to enhance mutual gains in face of more dynamic and uncertain conditions.