Collaborative logistics and digital technologies in rural contexts: a systematic review and a decision aid model for logistics decision-makers

Collaboration and digital technologies are critical enablers for improving logistics systems by enhancing coordination, optimizing resource use, and increasing supply chain responsiveness. Although both areas have been widely studied, their intersection—especially in rural areas—remains underexplored. This paper presents a systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, to examine how digital technologies support collaborative logistics practices, with particular emphasis on rural contexts. A comprehensive search and rigorous screening of 60 relevant studies revealed literature spanning three interconnected domains: collaborative logistics, digital technologies, and rural logistics. Based on this analysis, we identify three distinct logistics modes that shape interactions between production firms and customers in rural areas: rural-to-rural, rural-to-urban, and urban-to-rural. These modes form the basis of a novel decision-aid model designed to support production system designers and logistics managers in planning and managing collaborative logistics strategies. The model connects suitable collaboration practices with enabling digital technologies. It serves as a practical tool, offering strategic guidance for addressing rural logistics challenges and enhancing system performance through digitally enabled collaboration. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions aimed at advancing knowledge of technology-driven collaboration in logistics systems, particularly in rural settings, where practical insights are still limited.