물류기업의 기술확보와 스타트업 인수합병 연구

The global logistics industry is at a critical turning point in its digital transformation. Incumbent logistics companies are strategically acquiring startups through mergers and acquisitions to obtain digital technologies and respond to rapid change. This study analyzed the importance of technology acquisition motives in the M&A decisions of incumbent logistics companies, examined the types of technologies acquired, and assessed the impact of these technologies on the digital innovation and transformation of the acquiring companies. The analysis method involved organizing 39 cases using thematic analysis and open coding. The results revealed that, among the six M&A motivations, technology acquisition (20 cases) was the most important. Analysis of the specific types of acquired technologies showed logistics platform technology (17 cases) was the most prevalent. This study demonstrates that mergers and acquisitions of startups by leading logistics companies function as a strategic means to accelerate digital innovation and secure long-term competitive advantage. This is achieved by integrating the startup's technology, talent, culture, and digital capabilities with the incumbent logistics company's assets and network, going beyond mere equity acquisition. In practice, it also highlights the necessity for logistics companies to acquire startups to secure their competitiveness in the digital transformation environment.