34th Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends: The Great Disconnect—Bridging the Knowing/Doing Gap in Logistics

Why It Matters

Closing the knowing‑doing gap will accelerate digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen supply‑chain competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

• Survey reveals persistent knowing‑doing gap in logistics.
• AI adoption lags despite clear industry benefits.
• Talent development remains underprioritized across firms.
• Legacy processes hinder technology integration.
• Five specific disconnects identified in people, process, technology.

Pulse Analysis

Logistics executives are increasingly aware that digital tools—AI forecasting, real‑time visibility platforms, and automated warehousing—can reshape supply‑chain performance. Yet the 2025 study shows a stark contrast between this knowledge and on‑the‑ground execution. This disconnect mirrors broader industry trends where strategic intent outpaces operational reality, creating inefficiencies that erode margins and customer satisfaction. Understanding why the gap persists is crucial for firms aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

A core driver of the lag is talent scarcity combined with cultural inertia. Companies recognize the need for data‑savvy staff and continuous learning programs, but recruiting, upskilling, and retaining such talent remain uneven. Simultaneously, entrenched legacy processes and siloed IT architectures resist integration with modern AI and IoT solutions. The study’s five identified disconnects—spanning people, process, and technology—highlight that even when leaders articulate clear roadmaps, execution falters without coordinated change management and clear accountability.

Bridging the knowing‑doing gap requires a disciplined approach: prioritize quick‑win pilots, embed cross‑functional teams, and align incentives with measurable outcomes. Firms that successfully translate insight into action can expect faster ROI on technology investments, improved asset utilization, and greater resilience against disruptions. As the logistics sector confronts tighter capacity, volatile demand, and sustainability pressures, closing this gap will become a decisive competitive advantage, shaping the next wave of supply‑chain innovation.