Innovation in last mile distribution
Embedding innovation in LMDs’ DNA
Innovation is particularly important for LMDs because it helps them to capitalise on new markets, attract the attention of prospective investors, quickly adapt to external shocks (eg. COVID-19), and continually improve their offering in order to add value for their customers. While costs can prohibit LMDs from innovating, innovation doesn’t have to be expensive; it can happen at small scale and pay itself back, if done well. Our webinar and downloadable poster help LMDs to more meaningfully cultivate innovation in their organisations.
GDC Innovation Launchpad
Innovating at the last mile can be risky and costly. The GDC Innovation Launchpad is a new initiative that aims to help GDC members adapt and adopt innovations that have been proven by others. We will launch the first call for applications in early 2024, so keep an eye on our newsletter if you do not want to miss the opportunity!
-
Which topics will the Innovation Launchpad explore?
All kinds of emerging innovations in the last mile distribution sector, globally: think of e-mobility, chatbots, unconventional partnerships and other new practices that enable last mile distributors to improve their operational efficiencies and achieve greater impact for last their consumers. Check out our innovation trends page for the full list.
-
I’m a GDC member – how do I get involved?
GDC members that are interested in implementing the innovations in their own business and context can submit an application. Selected applicants will receive a chance to meet with trailblazers, who will share their lessons learned and recommendations for the innovation. On top of that, selected applicants receive technical assistance from the GDC team and grant funding to help launch the innovation through a pilot. As always, we will make sure to capture all learnings to share with the wider GDC membership. The application window for the first round of the GDC Innovation Launchpad will open in early 2024.
Incremental innovation vs radical innovation
Distributors faced the same challenges, albeit more acutely, during the COVID-19 pandemic as they did before – namely, how to maximise sales efficiency, enable consumer affordability and access finance. This blog explores the incremental rather than radical innovations that LMDs adopted in response to COVID-19; which set them up to bounce back robustly, and shift quickly into recovery mode.
Building resilience through innovation
Distributors’ ability to pivot and adapt is essential to their ability to weather external shocks. This practical guide for LMDs explores the challenges, innovations and potential solutions identified by a group of 23 distributors as priorities for post-COVID-19 business activities in four areas: smart use of working capital, MNC and e-commerce partnerships, digitising customer relations and remote field team management.
GDC Innovation Challenge
Our Innovation Challenge offers GDC members and their partners the opportunity to bring exciting ideas to life. Voted for by GDC members, the winning teams receive grant funding and support from GDC innovation experts. Learnings and outputs are shared across the GDC membership and wider ecosystem, helping to also develop the sector at large.
The GDC innovation challenges and Innovation Launchpad were funded with UK aid from the UK government, via the Transforming Energy Access platform.
