Abstract

The nature of logistics is clarified in the context of the evolutionary process, characterising its development in the last three decades. The main claim is that the increasing role of logistics in shaping the competitive advantages of the firms, which in the conditions of dynamically changing, highly competitive and already globalised environment, is becoming determinant for solving the complex business problems. The logistics alternatives for the competitive development of firms are presented as well as directions for their accomplishment based on the advances of world business practice. In this context are analysed the effects and directions in which the competitive superiority of firms are realised, emphasising the critical role of time in logistics. Revealed are the main factors determining the realisation of the potential of logistics in the competitive development of firms in Bulgaria.