Research On The Barriers Based On ARM—DEMATEL Smart Port Development

The current global information technology is developing rapidly.In the context of a new round of technological revolutions such as blockchain,artificial intelligence,and the Internet of Things,the production and services provided by the first four generations of ports can no longer meet people’s growing demand for diversified services.The smart port contains all the business functions of the previous four generations of ports,and is adapted to the trend of green and smart technological innovation,emphasizing that port production and services must adapt to the concepts of green environmental protection,sustainable development and high technology.However,there are still many obstacles to the development of smart ports,which restrict its development process.Therefore,a comprehensive identification of the barriers on the development of smart ports and a systematic analysis are of great significance to promote the development of smart ports.Therefore,this article aims to comprehensively identify the barriers of smart ports,and conduct a systematic analysis of the causal relationship,degree of influence and path of influence among the barriers.First,use the literature research method,expert interview method and questionnaire survey method to comprehensively identify and screen the barriers on the development of smart ports,and identify comprehensive,true and effective barriers on the development of smart ports;secondly,design a questionnaire to collect data,and adopt the equidistant division method and after the “01” variable converts the questionnaire information into a suitable data structure,the ARM—DEMATEL method is used to analyze the causal relationship and the degree of influence between the barriers,and then the barriers are divided into three categories: critical,causal,and consequential;Based on the DEMATEL analysis,the ISM method is used to divide the hierarchical structure among the barriers,so as to intuitively present the position and influence path of each constraint in the system.Finally,combining the literature and the actual situation,a specific analysis of the causal diagram,the degree of influence and the path of influence among the barriers are carried out.Based on the above analysis,the following conclusions are drawn:(1)There are 15 barriers from the government,industry environment,the public and port enterprises.(2)High costs,lack of talents,insufficient port cooperation,and independent dispersion of information systems are important causal and critical barriers,and have a strong driving force for other barriers;limited awareness of new technology potential and data sharing the existence of security risks and insufficient government support for new technology research and development are important consequential barriers and are easily affected by other barriers.(3)The root-level factors include high cost,lack of talents,insufficient port cooperation,etc.,which are the fundamental factors hindering the development of smart ports;transition-level factors include insufficient collaboration between government and enterprises,new technologies not yet fully mature,and benefits of information sharing conflicts,etc.,factors at this level not only affect surface factors,but are also affected by root-level factors;surface barriers include insufficient government support for new technology research and development,lack of comprehensive evaluation standards,lack of practical experience and theoretical knowledge,etc.,which directly impede the development of smart ports.Based on the above research conclusions,we put forward targeted suggestions for port companies and governments,which not only enriches the research on the development of smart ports,but also provides a scientific theoretical basis for decision-makers related to smart ports.