Economic Sustainability of the Delivery Sector: A Comparative Study of Delivery and Romanian Businesses between 2008 and 2021

The current paper explores the economic sustainability of the delivery sector, specifically analysing its development alongside Romanian companies from 2008 to 2021. The research utilises both quantitative and qualitative methods, incorporating data analysis from the ListăFirme.ro database and financial reports from ANAF (the National Agency for Fiscal Administration), alongside a blend of structured and open-ended questionnaires, as well as in-depth interviews with executives from the delivery industry. It critically evaluates sustainable management practices across different business models, including both traditional and GIG economy structures. The study provides an extensive examination from a macroeconomic perspective down to individual level implications, applying John Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line (Elkington, 1997) framework to dissect the three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, and Profit, with a special focus on profitability. This research is prompted by the dynamic transformation of the delivery sector in Romania, influenced by rapid e-commerce growth and consumer demands for efficient, yet sustainable, delivery options. It seeks to shed light on the financial performance of this sector, a key concern for stakeholders and policymakers. By addressing the overlooked aspect of economic sustainability in the delivery sector, particularly within the Romanian context, this research offers an in-depth analysis of the economic dynamics affecting both delivery and Romanian enterprises.