Partnership with University of Antwerp

Overview

UPU and UAntwerp collaborate to launch a pioneering research fellowship to advance cross-border e-commerce and global parcel logistics networks.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), with the support of the Japan Fund—established by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications—has partnered with the University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) to enhance research on cross-border e-commerce and parcel logistics. This collaboration, led by the UPU’s Knowledge Centre and Think Tank (KCTT), aims to strengthen postal services and optimize global delivery networks.

UAntwerp, a globally recognized academic institution in supply chain, e-commerce and parcel logistics, was selected for this strategic initiative. Under the leadership of Professors Roel Gevaers and Wouter Dewulf, two doctoral researchers will conduct in-depth studies on cross-border parcel flows, focusing on air freight, e-commerce and the role of postal networks.


Key areas of collaboration

  • Analyzing market trends and competitive shifts to inform postal sector strategies, while contributing to the standardization of e-commerce segments, including business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and consumer-to-consumer (C2C). The research will also explore emerging business models, such as pharmaceutical logistics.
  • Assessing whether existing UPU frameworks require updates to better support postal operators in an evolving market. The study will leverage comprehensive data collection, industry expert insights, and academic methodologies to provide actionable recommendations.
  • Disseminating findings through academic publications and a dedicated UPU–UAntwerp report, offering key insights for policymakers, postal executives, and industry leaders. The first report on the findings is expected to be published in 2025.



By fostering collaboration between the academic and postal sectors, the partnership reinforces the UPU’s commitment to data-driven innovation. The research will equip postal operators with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

More information

Recently published reports from the UPU’s Knowledge Centre and Think Tank can be accessed below.

Trends and drivers of international postal exchanges: a regional corridor analysis

Trends and drivers of international postal exchanges: a regional corridor analysis

21.01.2025 — The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly reshaped international postal services, disrupting supply chains, shifting consumer behaviours, and accelerating digital transformation. Combined with changes to postal remuneration and new border and customs regulations, these factors significantly impacted postal volumes and operations. This UPU policy brief analyses these challenges, offering data-driven insights into the evolving dynamics of cross-border mail and parcel flows.
Digital trade regulations – an analysis of their impact on postal volumes

Digital trade regulations – an analysis of their impact on postal volumes

15.11.2024 — This policy brief focuses on physical digital trade, specifically the cross-border e-commerce of tangible goods ordered through digital platforms. It examines the impacts of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) with digital trade provisions on cross-border e-commerce, with particular emphasis on their implications for designated operators and policymakers.
Citizen access to postal services – a precursor for socio-economic growth

Citizen access to postal services – a precursor for socio-economic growth

20.09.2024 — The analysis presented in this policy brief goes beyond the economic factor to show that the postal sector also makes a significant contribution towards the achievement of national SDGs.