Bridging the Gap Between Supply and Demand for Operational Skills in the Logistics Industry: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Academic and Industry Collaboration

The logistics industry in Pakistan, a critical contributor to national GDP and employment, faces a persistent operational skills gap that undermines its efficiency and competitiveness. This study investigates the misalignment between the skills required by logistics firms and those supplied by academic institutions. Drawing on a post-positivist paradigm, the research employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design, surveying 407 logistics professionals and educators across Pakistan using a stratified random sampling technique. The research model explores the influence of educational curricula, practical training opportunities, professional development, and policy interventions on the operational skill gap. It further analyzes the moderating role of technological adoption and organizational size. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), revealing a high R² value (0.964), confirming the model's strong explanatory power. Key findings indicate that while educational curricula and professional training reduce the skill gap, poor implementation of competency-based education and ineffective policy measures may inadvertently widen it. Technological adoption and larger organizational size positively influence the effectiveness of training strategies.The study contributes significantly to the understanding of skill development challenges in emerging economies. It emphasizes the need for collaborative curriculum reform, increased technological integration in training, and strategic public-private partnerships to bridge the operational skills divide. Practical recommendations include policy-driven support for training infrastructure, co-designed curricula between academia and industry, and targeted interventions tailored to regional logistics needs.This research not only validates existing theoretical frameworks such as Human Capital and Skills Mismatch Theory but also proposes a localized strategy for logistics workforce development in Pakistan, offering implications for broader application in similar contexts.