MANAGING THE GREEN TRANSFORMATION OF LOGISTICS SYSTEMS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

Abstract

The green transformation of logistics systems requires not only the introduction of low-carbon technologies, digital solutions, and circular economy principles, but also the coordination of financial, technological, and managerial decisions within an integrated system. The aim of this study is to develop an integrated management framework for sustainable finance supporting the green transformation of logistics systems in the European context. The methodological basis combines a structured search of scientific publications in Scopus, critical thematic analysis, examination of EU strategic, regulatory, and analytical documents, functional systematization of sustainable finance instruments, and conceptual synthesis of the findings. Five interrelated research approaches are identified: the finance–decarbonization approach; the ecosystem approach to sustainable supply chain finance and ESG; the resource–innovation and organizational–technological approach; the institutional–managerial and stakeholder approach; and the risk–resilience and integration approach. The study shows that current research provides substantial insights into individual aspects of green finance, green logistics, digitalization, ESG, and risk management, but does not yet offer a coherent management architecture linking financing with transformation targets, technological solutions, risks, and expected outcomes. Sustainable finance instruments are systematized according to their functional role in mobilizing long-term capital, financing technological and infrastructure modernization, reducing and sharing risks, supporting performance, and extending financial incentives across the supply chain. The principle of functional alignment is substantiated, according to which the financing structure should be determined with regard to the type of logistics asset, the scale of CAPEX, the payback period, projected cash flows, technological maturity, expected ESG effects, and the project risk profile. The key management mechanisms for integrating finance and green transformation are identified as strategic priority setting, project selection and assessment, financial structuring, stakeholder coordination, digital monitoring and ESG control, as well as risk, innovation, and digitalization management. On this basis, the Integrated Management Framework for Sustainable Finance and the Green Transformation of Logistics Systems is proposed. It combines the institutional and regulatory environment, sustainable finance instruments, management mechanisms, ESG criteria and risk management, green and digital transformation pathways, and transformation outcomes. An important element of the framework is the monitoring, learning and feedback mechanism, which enables the results achieved to be used to adjust investment priorities, the financing structure, and subsequent management decisions. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the shift from a fragmented analysis of individual financial and logistics instruments to a functional and managerial approach in which sustainable finance is considered an integral part of managing the trajectory of green transformation. The practical value of the proposed framework lies in its potential use by logistics companies to develop portfolios of transformation projects and select appropriate financing configurations; by financial institutions and investors to align capital allocation with technological maturity, ESG effects, and risks; and by public authorities to combine grant, guarantee, and private resources with priorities for the development of transport and logistics infrastructure.