DHL has signed a Partnership Agreement with the China Development Institute (CDI), a leading think tank in China, to research and develop innovative logistics solutions nationwide. As a Global Research Partner of the DHL Innovation Initiative, CDI will provide in-depth strategic knowledge and resources for the two parties to jointly deliver solutions in the areas of Urban Logistics, Sustainable Supply Chain, Auto ID Application, Supply Chain Optimisation to administrative and business organisations.

This research initiative is driven by the DHL Solutions & Innovations (DSI), which is responsible for all research projects and innovations in the global Deutsche Post DHL network, together with CDI Center for Logistics and SCM. “Since both partners share the vision to improve the logistics infrastructure in China, the partnership will open up many opportunities and serve as a catalyst for the development of innovative logistics solutions in China,” said Petra Kiwitt, head of DSI.

The partnership with CDI is a boost to DHL’s research efforts in Asia, particularly in China. Initial projects, such as piloting of new delivery vehicles with innovative route optimisation, feasibility studies and solutions for urban logistics in China’s metropolitan areas or carbon neutral facilities will contribute to strengthen DHL’s service offerings of efficient and sustainable supply chains throughout China and the Asia Pacific Area.