Editorial

The 99/3 edition focuses on Logistics Services and Electronic Commerce (EC).<br><br>The utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) is changing the means of communication and interaction in both the private and business spheres. This utilization of ICT in logistics has two possible paths, which it can take as it develops. The first is less wide ranging with regards to electronic commerce, however, it is widely visible in new concepts for supply chain management. One real-world example of this is the e-procurement occurring within electronic markets. The second has more radical implications with regards to the entire value chain. Here, we envision the evolution of value webs - a new means of value creation. We are beginning to see the embryonic form of this when customers drive the formation of flexible networks by their demands. Also, in the specific field of transportation, changes brought about by EC force new developments and new partnerships. Possible roles and strategies of corporations within the logistics sector are being reconsidered and redesigned, which are thesubject of many of the case studies contained herein.<br><br>In the collection of articles in this issue, new concepts and possible solutions for an logistics service provider are described, theoretical frameworks are presented, the importance of the Internet is pointed out. One focus is procurement. This significant part of production is a strategically important area. Many companies are reluctant to open their procurement processes to an electronic market or to involve EC-mechanisms. Supply chain management, which spills over a company's boarders into a new value chain, is another interesting research area that is examined. Also new forms of mobility, developed through the emergence of electronic markets and the related success and failure factors, are covered. Finally some case studies with top-flight solutions point at this issues top-flight importance in actual businesses today.