150 Int. J. Logistics Systems and Management, Vol. 9, No. 2, 2011 Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Improving logistics and supply chain management in Spain: An analysis of current practices and future requirements Angel Díaz* IE Business School, María de Molina 12 bajo, Madrid 28006, Spain E-mail: angel.diaz@ie.edu *Corresponding author Luis Solís IE Business School, Pinar 15, Madrid 28006, Spain E-mail: luis.solis@ie.edu Björn Claes Centre of Business Performance, Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield, Bedford, England, MK43 0AL, UK E-mail: bjorn.claes@cranfield.ac.uk Abstract: Improvements in logistics and supply chain practices are essential to the competitiveness of businesses. In this paper, we present the most relevant findings of a large government-funded research project focused on the logistics and supply chain capabilities in Spain. In particular, this study highlights the gaps between logistics and supply chain practices in Spain and the best practices identified in the literature. Our research generated a rich database that will facilitate further research into this highly relevant topic. In our research design, we have been meticulous in addressing the current debate on the tension between rigorous research design and practical relevancy. Keywords: logistics; supply chain; best practices; competitiveness; Spain. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Díaz, A., Solís, L. and Claes, B. (2011) ‘Improving logistics and supply chain management in Spain: An analysis of current practices and future requirements’, Int. J. Logistics Systems and Management, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp.150–169. Biographical notes: Angel Díaz is a Professor of Operations and the Director of the PhD programme at IE Business School, Madrid. He received his MSc from Cranfield University and his PhD from the University of Maryland. His research focuses on logistics systems.