UntitledThe participants in TRA2016 themed “Moving Forward – Innovative Solutions for Tomorrow’s Mobility” recognise that transport research and innovation, especially when geared towards application, play a critical role in addressing major societal challenges, in achieving key European policy goals, in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the European transport system and in boosting the competitiveness of its economic players. They see this event as a milestone in a continuous process of growing collaboration among the key stakeholders, aimed at generating greater impetus in pursuing those objectives.

Over a period of 10 years and through its six editions TRA has been ‘Moving Forward’ and has contributed in driving research towards innovation and market uptake. It has showcased technology developments, new transport paradigms and innovative business models for mobility and logistics that are paving the way towards a better future transport system for Europe.

Throughout the four main sessions of the TRA event it emerged that Transport R&I contributes substantially to enhancing European social and economic integration, delivering energy efficiency and other policy objectives, seizing the opportunities stemming from automation and other new
developments, more generally bringing about a more efficient and greener transport system for the future.

The TRA2016 participants also consider that trans-national cooperation across Europe and beyond is important. Such cooperation is needed It is important to expand the knowledge base, share the risks, achieve critical mass and to tackle more effectively the common challenges through the implementation of innovative solutions. They believe that TRA is the ideal arena where the necessary cross-fertilisation occurs between and across the transport modes and the different players. They believe that TRA is the forum to reap the results of the collaboration between research, policy, industry and users, with a view to making the most of public and private investments for the sake of the common good.

The biennial Transport Research Arena is the common platform for the surface transport stakeholders, the place where all the relevant organisations meet, discuss and develop cooperation. This convergence is a prerequisite to achieving a modern transport system that is fully integrated and apt to respond to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

Transport is a key pillar of European competitiveness and job creation. It needs to address the present and future societal challenges in the areas of energy, emissions and congestion while meeting the users’ expectations for the affordable and safe mobility of people and goods. In order to achieve efficiency and sustainability, transport sector has to rely on smart, clean and safe means of transport, infrastructure and services, as well as on the research based programs that would help transport users to adjust their behaviour appropriately to changing technologies and environment.

Meeting these challenges requires a renewed commitment to join efforts and resources to bring research results to deployment, with an integrated and holistic end-to-end approach across the sector and the stakeholders.

Original source: TRA

ERTICO Projects @ TRA2016