01 Environmental Sustainability

There is no doubt as to the pressing need to achieve greater environmental sustainability, which is intrinsically associated with decarbonising the economy and defining pathways that drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the transport sector. This has also been set out in the European Green Deal, by means of the gradual adoption of cleaner and renewable alternative fuels and technologies.

Environmental and economic concerns also involve the principles of a circular economy throughout the life cycle of infrastructure. Climate change and extreme climate events occurring more frequently mean that infrastructures must be more robust and resilient.

02 Technological Innovation

The automation of transport as well as building methods and logistics operations, coupled with greater connectivity, are already causing significant changes in mobility and the logistics chain. The existence of self-driving and connected vehicles, can enable a safer mobility, managed in a centralised and more intelligent and more efficient manner.

The profusion of services and means of transport will enable the mobility system to gain capacity and flexibility. An immediate response for different requirements is demanded more frequently, without overlooking the capacity for forecasting. Systems are expected to be adjustable, both with regard to passengers as well as goods traffic.

03 The Power of Information

Sensors on vehicles and infrastructures means that everything can be monitored in real time. The management of this big data, coupled with the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning, will not only make it possible to likewise manage mobility in real time but will also enable a more efficient and targeted management of infrastructure assets.

Another essential aspect has to do with communication infrastructures, that are essential for the entire transport and mobility network to have network coverage and the capacity to support telecommunications and data exchange. The field of connectivity also faces many cyber-challenges and the subject of security is very relevant. Therefore, it is vital for all infrastructure support systems to be redundant and vigilant and to incorporate backup systems in case of ciber attacks.

04 Infrastructure Funding and Management Models

Transport infrastructures funding and management models have changed considerably around the world and if the infrastructure can be leveraged to be more than just a channel for vehicles to circulate, new business models could emerge, which could fund it.

05 Social and Demographic Changes

Social and demographic trends also have impacts on mobility, such as an ageing population, the demographic concentration in urban areas, the shared economy and a flexible labour market that will impact on the evolution of current mobility patterns.