Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
ALICE is pleased to welcome the Contract Logistics Observatory, part of the Digital Innovation Observatories of the Politecnico di Milano, as a new member of the community. Founded in 2011 at the request of leading logistics companies, the Observatory was established to support the sector through rigorous, business-oriented research and structured collaboration among key stakeholders.
The Contract Logistics Observatory pursues three main objectives: producing research to support managerial decision-making, fostering a neutral and collaborative space where manufacturers, retailers, logistics service providers and technology companies can exchange perspectives and initiate projects, and promoting the strategic role of logistics both within the sector and toward policymakers and the wider public.
Since its inception, the Observatory has organised more than 120 closed-door events and 27 public conferences, including Italy’s largest annual logistics event, which attracted nearly 2,600 registered participants in November 2024. Through conferences, annual reports and tailored research projects, the Observatory supports companies in navigating current and future logistics challenges while strengthening awareness and informed dialogue across the sector.
The Contract Logistics Observatory operates within the broader Digital Innovation Observatories research centre, founded in 1999 within the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano. The centre draws on the expertise of the Department of Management Engineering and the POLIMI Graduate School of Management, and encompasses over 50 research streams covering digital innovation in industry and public administration. Across the Observatories, more than 160 researchers, analysts and professors contribute to applied, cooperative and evidence-based research on digital transformation.
Research activities are characterised by an engaged and pre-competitive approach, involving companies, institutions and policymakers, and are supported by extensive dissemination through publications, events and media outreach. Each year, the Digital Innovation Observatories deliver hundreds of events and publications, building active communities that promote responsible and sustainable digital innovation.
By joining ALICE, the Contract Logistics Observatory brings strong analytical capabilities, sector-wide visibility and a long-standing experience in facilitating dialogue between industry, technology providers and institutions. Its membership strengthens ALICE’s work on data-driven logistics, digital transformation, supply chain planning and informed policymaking, contributing to a shared European understanding of how logistics systems can evolve to meet future economic, technological and societal needs.
Read more: Osservatori Digital Innovation del Politecnico di Milano