Brussels, 19/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is determined to, “release the innovation potential of the transport sector”. This September it intends to begin work to define no fewer than ten roadmaps for new technology deployment in the transport sector.
On 18 September, the Commission presented the communication describing this initiative which, according to the Commissioner for transport, Siim Kallas, “will help our transport system to develop into an even more efficient, sustainable and user-friendly system to reach our mobility goals” included in the Transport White Paper adopted last year. He went on, “It will impact positively on growth and jobs in Europe”. Around ten different areas were identified to boost research and innovation, as well as help to end delays on the market, by way of improving deployment. They focus on road vehicles, aircraft, ships and clean, efficient, safe, silent and smart trains, as well as smart and green infrastructure; infrastructures for distributing fuel and substitutions; efficient modal traffic management systems; integrated intermodal information management services; logistical continuity; and integrated and innovative urban transport.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the Commissioner for research, innovation and science said that work was now beginning. She also explained that they were working hand-in-hand with stakeholders and Commission services to draft viable roadmaps for more strategic transport technologies. The Commission explained that the workgroups were bringing together industry, public services and stakeholders in an effort to promote this technology and were all responsible for coordinating, within the ten objective areas, the development and deployment programmes. The Commissioner also said that these groups should ensure that the different standards and costs are taken into account. The roadmaps will form the basis of elaborating a transport technology strategic plan at a later date. (MD/trans/fl)