Knowledge Strategies Facilitating Future Port Development and Management

Abstract

The European transport network is extensive and integrated, encompassing major ports, roads, airports, and rail systems. However, global demand proactive perspectives and measures. Europe is facing emerging developmental challenges, including increased geopolitical instability, climate changes, shortage of energy and natural resources, and intensified trade competition with China and US (Draghi, 2024). Transport plays a vital role in the European economy, prompting efforts to enhance integration between transport modes - for example through the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). This paper focuses on ports as critical nodes in a multimodal transport system, and Its main objective is to explore how two theoretical perspectives – strategic knowledge management and resilience – can support planning and decision-making. Central in both approaches is the concept of “known and unknowns”, referring to how organisations can prepare for and respond to future changes, events, and disruptions. The study is based on semi-structured interviews and addresses themes such as current collaboration and coordination of plans and practices, anticipated challenges and threats, and potential regional impacts of climate changes and geopolitical instability. The informants are key port stakeholders in Norway. The discussion reflects on how the two theoretical perspectives can inform the transformation of current management practices to better address future changes, disruptions and crises.