2nd Innovation in Urban Freight International Workshop
Oslo, Norway, September 15-16, 2014
The purpose of the workshop is to gather researchers, policy-makers and industry practitioners to learn about and discuss innovative solutions to urban freight challenges.
Call for abstracts for the following topics:
- Innovations in distribution
- Big Data analytics and ITS innovation
- Smart and sustainable growth
Organisers: City of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, SINTEF, Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
For more information, see: http://www.ntnu.edu/ifreight , or flyer
The main objective is to develop environmentally friendly and efficient solutions for urban freight distribution in Oslo through solutions for a) better use of road spaces and b) better use of day and week time.
The project also aims to demonstrate use of environmentally friendly and energy efficient vehicles in unmanned deliveries.
Freight distribution is an important prerequisite for living cities with dense populations, competitive business and commerce. Challenges identified in a preliminary study spring 2011 were characterized by lack of coordination between actors in the transport chain, inaccessible and unavailable loading bays, inefficient stock receipts and improvised solutions. Preliminary results further indicated that green and efficient freight distribution depends on a well-functioning cooperation between authorities and local business. Additionally, both authorities and the transport industry seem to lack knowledge regarding urban distribution (Sund & Norvik 2011).
Solutions for more environmentally friendly, efficient and competitive urban distribution do not lie with one actor alone. Sustainable freight distribution requires cooperation between public authorities, the transport industry, end-receivers, consumers, research institutions and technology and vehicle suppliers. Cooperation between actors in the value chain allows for technological solutions based on open interfaces. Today the transport industry to little degree applies integrated solutions, which reduces opportunities for coordination and profit realization. The project owner, the Municipality of Oslo, has put together a broad and competent consortium consisting of transport businesses, receivers, transport organizations, technology and vehicle suppliers, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and research institutions. Regional Research Funds in Norway wish to stimulate research based learning and innovation in the public sector. Focusing on service provision and the organization of the transport system is vital for meeting demands for an environmentally friendly infrastructure.