Abstract
This paper suggests that technology is empowering the management of logistic networks by virtual platforms. This is changing postal services in two concurrent ways: through the segmentation of the production chain into amorph segments (APLs, proximity points, last-mile express services) and the vertical integration strategy followed by e-commerce platforms. It allows also the management of postal services through a crowdsourced network. Technology modifies how activities are performed but processes are de facto equivalent. Platform operations should be then regarded as part of the overall postal service and not a mere intermediation between different players. The forthcoming revision of the Postal Service Directive should then consider the disruption of traditional business models and production chains.
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Notes
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DHL International NV, formerly Express Line NV vs Belgisch Instituut voor Postdiensten en Telecommunicatie.
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The same conclusion was reached in different EC decisions, the last one being n. 2002/M.2908.
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CONFETRA and others vs Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni.
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Asociación Profesional Élite Taxi v Uber Systems Spain SL. Link to http://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?num=C-434/15.
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Para 39–40.
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Acknowledgments
Economist at AGCOM Postal Service Directorate. Contact: l.scorca@agcom.it. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the employer.
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Scorca, L. (2018). The Transformation of Postal Services in Light of Technological Developments and Users’ Needs. In: Parcu, P., Brennan, T., Glass, V. (eds) New Business and Regulatory Strategies in the Postal Sector. Topics in Regulatory Economics and Policy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02937-1_23
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