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Radio Frequency Identifi cation (RFID), smartphones etc. further im- TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION WILL STILL proves the quality of real-time tracking of goods and generate vast BE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE amounts of relevant data from real-life transport operations. Such Having said this it is important to maintain that development of data can be processed and made readily available for planning novel and more effi cient technologies will be pivotal for reaching and optimisation at low costs. Implementation will require revision of the main European transport policy goals: organisational structures, advances in deployment of ICT for systemic •Cleaner and safer vehicles of all modes; data handling, innovative apps for personalised travel information •Cost-effective alternative fuels, (electric) drives, propulsion as well as novel business models and innovative products. However, technologies, battery and chemical storage of energy and new although integration and cross-modality are necessary, extensive materials for vehicle construction; system integration might also pose a risk. Extensively integrated in- •Advanced ICT for personalised real-time travel information, formation fl ows, management systems, infrastructure networks and modal integration, metropolitan traffi c management and smart pay- mobility services increase dependencies and might be more vulner- ment systems; able. It is necessary to address and to study risks and vulnerabilities to highlight a few exceedingly important areas which will require not only as some add-on concern with regard to e.g. extremist massive investments in R&D&I towards 2020 and beyond. In fact, ICT actions, extreme weather or other exceptional circumstances, but as will in the years to come have to be a key component in practically phenomena that resilient transport systems should be able to cope all new innovate solutions in transport. Hence, intelligent transport with as standard events. systems must shift from being considered as a separate research topic to be an integral part of most fi elds of transport R&D&I. A MORE PRONOUNCED ROLE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES EFFICIENT RESEARCH BY STRENGTHENING Meeting the political challenge of both improving mobility by smart- INTEGRATION OF SCIENTIFIC DOMAINS er utilisation of a more integrated transport system and making it Research aimed to tackle the challenges of smart, green, and inte- greener by radically reducing GHG emissions will require not only grated transport requires a strengthened integration of technology technological solutions but also better understanding of transport and social sciences as a pre-requisite for undertaking an effective, behaviour and the effect of policy instruments. Therefore, social effi cient and timesaving approach. As an example, the greening of and behavioural sciences have to play a more important role in the maritime transport presupposes input from a range of disciplines, transport research strategy than in the past, both in relation to suc- and so does a holistic Safe System approach to road safety. Integrat- cessful implementation of new technologies and optimal utilisation ing social sciences in earlier stages of technological development of the transport system, including the balance across modes. Con- is deemed necessary to minimise the risks of investing in what turns sequently, these fi elds of research should have signifi cantly more out as dead ends. Research strategies should in a timely fashion weight in Horizon 2020 than in previous Framework Programmes assess and predict impacts of new technologies and measures on where by far the dominant share of the effort was devoted to the transport system as a whole. The impact assessment should take technological R&D&I. It is welcomed that social and behavioural into account end-user behaviour and preferences and be evaluated sciences will be fully integrated within each of the main pillars of against the societal needs and goals. Here, we need to strengthen Horizon 2020. Yet, one should be cautiously aware of the risk that the scientifi c understanding and our ability to quantify how the direct the above-mentioned important social science aspects will not get benefi ts of a well-functioning transport system, in terms of high mobil- due attention in the research priorities of the calls when compared ity and accessibility, enable economic growth and make a city or with the obviously important, technology-oriented projects which region attractive for settlement of people and business. are sine qua non, but also much more costly. PATHWAYS OF TRANSFORMATION Therefore, the approach chosen here is to put emphasis on research In addition to strengthened integration of research domains, the priorities focusing in particular on behavioural, organisational and radical changes needed in the transport sector will require innova- regulatory topics with a planning and policy-oriented perspective. tion in methodologies of studying dynamics, as social sciences This is done in confi dence that synergies with other fora, e.g. the are traditionally geared towards supporting gradual and stepwise European Technology Platforms in Transport (and Energy), will changes rather than to transformations. Consequently, a European provide the required visionary, and competent input on developing programme for research and innovation at the doorstep of a radical the next generation of innovative transport technologies. transformation of the transport sector should be open- minded, creative and allow for new questions. 54


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