Optimizing the portfolio of smart technologies to maximize port carbon emission efficiency: a configurational theory approach

The construction of smart ports using digital technology is a crucial strategy for meeting the rapidly evolving needs of global maritime trade and ecological sustainability efforts. Existing research on smart ports has primarily focused on low-carbon development or technology applications, while overlooking the importance of optimizing smartization technology combinations to enhance carbon emission efficiency. Selecting 39 major ports in China as research subjects, this study investigates their use of smart operations from 2020 to 2023 to explore how these technologies interacted to improve carbon emission efficiency. Adopting configuration theory and complex adaptive system theory as the analytical framework, it employs the super-efficiency Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) Model and dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) methods to measure the ports’ carbon emission efficiency. Findings show that use of any single technology is not a necessary condition to achieve such efficiency. With a focus on automated loading and unloading, intelligent operating systems, smart gates, and intelligent cargo handling at ports, the study recommends adopting a portfolio of technologies and differentiated smartization paths that prioritize three types of heterogeneous configurations related to efficiency measures, resource utilization, and stakeholder collaboration.