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National Research project titled “BUMOLDS: a Business Model for Local Delivery Platforms”. LABCOM, as part of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, is involved as research unit within the project, with Silvia Biraghi as Associated investigator and Research Unit Coordinator.

Award PRIN 2023: BUMOLDS – A Business Model for Local Delivery Platforms

In 2023, the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) awarded funding for a prestigious National Research Project under the PRIN (Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale) program. One of the standout projects in this cohort is BUMOLDS: A Business Model for Local Delivery Platforms, which seeks to explore innovative business models for the rapidly growing local delivery industry. This project is significant as it brings together experts in business, technology, and logistics to address a key challenge of our time: the optimization of local delivery services in urban environments.

Understanding BUMOLDS: A Strategic Approach to Local Delivery Platforms

Local delivery services have surged in popularity in recent years, accelerated by the rise of e-commerce, changing consumer behaviors, and the rapid expansion of on-demand services. Platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Glovo have revolutionized the way products and services are delivered in cities around the world, providing convenience and speed. However, despite their success, there is a growing need for these platforms to evolve to become more sustainable, efficient, and customer-centric.

The BUMOLDS project, an acronym for Business Model for Local Delivery Services, aims to develop innovative and sustainable business models tailored to local delivery platforms. The project’s primary focus is to create an integrated framework that can guide the development and growth of delivery platforms, ensuring they meet the needs of both consumers and businesses in a way that is efficient, eco-friendly, and economically viable.

The research conducted in BUMOLDS will address key questions such as: What are the most effective operational models for local delivery platforms? How can these platforms improve their sustainability and reduce their environmental impact? What kind of business structures and partnerships can be established to ensure their long-term success? Through rigorous analysis and collaboration, the project aims to answer these questions and provide actionable insights that will shape the future of local delivery services.

LABCOM’s Role in the BUMOLDS Project

LABCOM, a research unit within Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, plays a critical role in the BUMOLDS project. As part of this collaborative initiative, LABCOM is responsible for investigating the marketing, branding, and strategic management aspects of local delivery platforms. Led by Silvia Biraghi, an esteemed researcher in the fields of branding and business models, LABCOM’s team focuses on understanding how local delivery platforms can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, build strong brand identities, and enhance customer engagement.

Silvia Biraghi, who serves as the Associated Investigator and Research Unit Coordinator for LABCOM in the BUMOLDS project, brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Her leadership ensures that the marketing and strategic insights gained from the research are integrated into the overall project framework. Biraghi’s involvement reflects the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as BUMOLDS brings together expertise from various fields including economics, logistics, marketing, and technology.

Under Biraghi’s guidance, LABCOM is specifically tasked with exploring how local delivery platforms can establish a sustainable business identity, improve customer trust, and drive brand loyalty. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of consumer behavior within the local delivery sector and identify the critical success factors for businesses operating in this space.

Expected Outcomes and Impact of the BUMOLDS Project

The outcomes of the BUMOLDS project are expected to be highly valuable not only to academics but also to businesses and policymakers. By analyzing and creating new business models, the project will provide local delivery platforms with a roadmap to adapt and thrive in a highly competitive and ever-evolving industry. Additionally, the project will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the environmental and social responsibilities of delivery services, with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.

One of the major goals of BUMOLDS is to develop frameworks that local delivery platforms can use to create value for consumers while minimizing their environmental footprint. Given the increasing pressure on businesses to operate sustainably, the project’s focus on sustainability will provide insights on reducing carbon emissions, optimizing delivery routes, and encouraging the use of greener transportation methods.

Another important impact of the project will be its contribution to the regulatory landscape. By providing evidence-based insights into the best practices for local delivery platforms, the BUMOLDS project can inform public policy decisions related to urban mobility, sustainability, and logistics. Policymakers will benefit from research that highlights the challenges and opportunities for local delivery services, helping them craft regulations that balance the needs of businesses, consumers, and the environment.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Local Delivery Services

The BUMOLDS project, supported by the prestigious PRIN funding, represents a significant step forward in the evolution of local delivery platforms. With LABCOM’s expertise in branding, business models, and marketing under the leadership of Silvia Biraghi, the project aims to provide new insights and strategies that will shape the future of this fast-growing sector. As urbanization and e-commerce continue to transform how products and services are delivered, the findings from BUMOLDS will be instrumental in creating sustainable, customer-focused, and efficient delivery models that can thrive in the future.

By addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in local delivery services, the BUMOLDS project promises to drive innovation, improve sustainability, and provide valuable guidance to the businesses and cities of tomorrow.