On the ESG Performance of Drone Logistics: Innovation, Cooperation, and Hybrid Strategies

Driven by the rapid growth of the low-altitude economy, drone logistics is emerging as a critical component of modern smart logistics systems. This study aims to examine how heterogeneous logistics service providers (LSPs) select among technological innovation, inter-firm cooperation, and hybrid strategies, as well as how these strategic choices affect ESG performance. We develop a two-stage duopoly Cournot game model that accounts for asymmetric logistics capabilities and consumers’ service-quality sensitivity, and compare the three strategic arrangements against a benchmark scenario without innovation or cooperation. Results show that a capability-driven Matthew effect already exists in the benchmark market. Technological innovation may further widen the performance gap between firms, yet it generates the highest social welfare by improving service quality and preserving market competition. Pure cooperation enhances coordination efficiency and environmental performance, but may reduce consumer surplus by weakening competition. The hybrid strategy generally delivers the highest system profit and robust environmental performance, while its advantages depend on market parameters and require sound benefit-sharing governance mechanisms. This study contributes to sustainable drone logistics research by integrating strategic interaction, firm heterogeneity and ESG outcomes into a unified framework, and provides targeted managerial and policy implications for innovation support, alliance governance and competition regulation.