Photo of Henrik Gillström

Henrik Gillström

Assistant Professor

How to make logistics systems more sustainable? My research focusses on sustainable logistics systems and how logistics in cities can be improved. I also work on the transition to electrified freight transport.

A focus on sustainable logistics systems

I research and teach in sustainable logistics systems

I am employed as researcher and teacher in the Division for Logistics and Quality Management. My work focusses on how to make logistics systems more sustainable. Topics that are featured in my research include city logistics and electrification of freight transport systems. These concern not only how to make logistics systems more efficient by using consolidation centres, but also how a transition to electrified freight transport can be proceed and the effects it may have.

An important point of departure in my research is a systems perspective, which enables me to understand how the component parts interact. I have focussed on, for example, business models, services, customer requirements, value creation, and stakeholder perspectives.

Brief facts

Summary CV

  • Master’s degree in engineering 2015
  • Degree of Licentiate of Science 2018
  • Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Science 2020 

Teaching

  • Supervisor for students on the Logistics Project course, TETS38
  • Supervisor and examiner for master theses in logistics
  • Lecturer and seminar coordinator in the Sustainable Logistics Systems course, TETS36

Online presence

Google Scholar
ResearchGate

Research

Research for sustainable logistics systems: Measures are needed to reach current climate targets

Freight transport is important for a proper functioning of society, however, they also have negative effects on the environment. It is for this reason necessary to reduce its impact on the climate, and work towards sustainable logistics systems.

One important step in reducing the impact on the climate of freight transport is the use of alternative fuels, and electrification can here play a decisive role. It is also crucial to realise that it is not enough to increase the climate-directed efficiency of inefficient systems: it is also necessary to reduce impact on the climate by improvements to current transport solutions.

Consolidation centres have potential, but face obstacles

The use of consolidation centres, or coordinated goods distribution, is one measure that can make transport in cities more efficient, and in this way reduce impact on the climate. By collecting incoming deliveries and grouping them to common transport, it may be possible to reduce goods traffic in cities. This has positive effects for more than just the perspective of the city: several actors are affected by the introduction of consolidation centres. These include logistics companies, goods recipients such as shops, restaurants, and municipal operational units. My research focusses on how to ensure that city-based freight terminals can remain in business in the long term. One important step here is to create a financing model that ensures that terminals can generate income. Another important aspect is to include the effects on various stakeholders, and examine the reasons that they may want to become part of a terminal-based solution. I have studied this in my research from the perspectives of the business model, service provision, and value creation.

Reduced climate impact with electrified freight transport

Electrification of distribution can reduce climate impact. There are, however, serious obstacles to overcome before a successful transition to an electrified freight-transport system can be established. These involve such aspects as new requirements that are set for transport systems, and the emergence of new actors who are relevant in an electrified freight-transport system. A further consideration is, of course, how the process will affect costs, and whether the electrical supply network can cope with the increased demand. In my research, I work from a systems perspective: how the various parts interact, and how different limitations and requirements will influence the structure of distribution flows in the future. I am active in the Swedish Electromobility Centre, where I conduct research in the Electromobility in Society theme.

An illustration of a city map.

Sustainable City Logistics

The demand for urban freight is increasing at the same time as local and regional sustainability goals aim for more sustainable cities – and these two things don’t always go hand in hand.

Publications

2024

Henrik Gillström, Maria Björklund, Fredrik Stahre, Mats Abrahamsson (2024) Wired for change: Sustainable business models in the transition towards electrified road freight transport Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, Vol. 13, Article 100185 (Article in journal) Continue to DOI
Henrik Gillström, Uni Sallnäs, My Jobrant (2024) Who is the CPO? Exploring the role of the Charge Point Operator in electrified logistics systems Research in Transportation Business and Management (RTBM), Vol. 57, Article 101239 (Article in journal) Continue to DOI
Niklas Simm, Maria Björklund, Henrik Gillström (2024) Collaborative Green Freight Transport: The impact on transport resilience
Henrik Gillström (2024) Barriers and enablers: How logistics companies could tackle the transition to electrified road freight transport CLEANER LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN, Vol. 13, Article 100172 (Article in journal) Continue to DOI
Henrik Gillström, Maria Björklund, Fredrik Stahre (2024) Risk Mitigation Strategies for Improved Resilience in Electrified Freight Systems NOFOMA proceeding (Conference paper)

Teaching

I teach logistics at advanced level for master’s students. This includes teaching on the courses: Sustainable Logistics Systems (Tets36), Logistics project (Tets38), and degree projects. More comprehensive information is available below:

  • TETS36 Sustainable Logistics Systems: Lecturer and seminar leader
  • TETS38 Logistics Project: Supervisor
  • Degree projects: Supervisor and examiner
  • TPPE91 Production System Planning and Management: Seminar leader

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