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Delphi and fuzzy TOPSIS approach for redefining the scope of postal universal service obligation

Author

Listed:
  • Bojan Jovanović

    (University of Novi Sad)

  • Dragana Šarac

    (University of Novi Sad)

  • Nataša Čačić

    (University of Novi Sad)

Abstract

The postal industry has undergone drastic changes over the last 30 years. These changes include the separation of postal and telecommunications sectors and the abolition of the monopoly status of postal incumbents. In the postal sector, the Universal Service Obligation (USO) has a very important role. The most common mechanism for fulfilling USO requirements was the reserved services mechanism (by weight and/or price). However, EU countries have abolished such practices and fully opened their markets (the last one in 2013), using alternative mechanisms for financing USO. The question that has arisen with the processes of liberalization and deregulation of the postal market is whether the USO can exist without the reserved services, specifically for candidate countries that still have reserved areas. This paper focuses on defining the sustainable scope of the USO in Serbia, a candidate country working towards full implementation of postal directives, with the help of the Delphi and Fuzzy TOPSIS approaches. The developed methodology can serve as a universal tool for redefining the scope of the postal USO in any country around the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Bojan Jovanović & Dragana Šarac & Nataša Čačić, 2025. "Delphi and fuzzy TOPSIS approach for redefining the scope of postal universal service obligation," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 68(1), pages 38-52, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:regeco:v:68:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11149-025-09489-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11149-025-09489-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gautier Axel & Poudou Jean-Christophe, 2014. "Reforming the Postal Universal Service," Review of Network Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 13(4), pages 453-477, December.
    2. Axel Gautier & Keizo Mizuno, 2011. "Gradual Network Expansion And Universal Service Obligations," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 82(2), pages 97-113, June.
    3. Calzada, Joan, 2009. "Universal service obligations in the postal sector: The relationship between quality and coverage," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 10-20, February.
    4. Jaag, Christian, 2014. "Postal-sector policy: From monopoly to regulated competition and beyond," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 266-277.
    5. Marcello Cuomo & Tommaso Nardone & Alberto Rovero & Gennaro Scarfiglieri, 2013. "Electronic substitution and USO scope definition," Chapters, in: Michael A. Crew & Paul R. Kleindorfer (ed.), Reforming the Postal Sector in the Face of Electronic Competition, chapter 13, pages 179-193, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • L53 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Enterprise Policy
    • L87 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Postal and Delivery Services

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