by Jason Sioutis (ICCS), Anna Antonakopoulou, Vasileios Sourlas and Angelos Amditis (ICCS)
Discover how the ELABORATOR project [L1] is transforming urban mobility across Europe with sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions. Supported by Horizon Europe, this initiative unites cities, researchers, and industry leaders to develop efficient transportation networks and climate-neutral urban environments. Learn more about their groundbreaking work and future plans to revolutionise urban living.
Urban mobility is undergoing a profound transformation, thanks to the ELABORATOR project. Funded by Horizon Europe, this initiative is dedicated to creating sustainable, climate-neutral cities by fostering innovative, inclusive and efficient transportation solutions. ELABORATOR’s multifaceted approach brings together diverse stakeholders from various sectors, setting the stage for a revolution in urban mobility across Europe.
Vision and Objectives
ELABORATOR is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, aiming to drastically reduce urban carbon emissions and promote sustainable living. The project's vision encompasses developing comprehensive mobility solutions that address the unique challenges of urban environments. These solutions aim to integrate advanced technologies and sustainable practices to create efficient, green transportation networks.
Key objectives of ELABORATOR include:
1. Enhancing Mobility Solutions: The project focuses on developing innovative, user-friendly transportation options that reduce dependence on private vehicles, thereby cutting emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.
2. Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring mobility solutions are accessible to all demographics, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged groups, is a priority. Inclusive design ensures that everyone can benefit from improved urban mobility.
3. Fostering Collaboration: By encouraging partnerships across sectors, ELABORATOR leverages diverse expertise and resources to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable mobility technologies.
4. Supporting Policy Development: The project provides data-driven insights to inform urban mobility policies, aligning them with sustainability goals and ensuring effective implementation.
Living Labs and Pilot Projects
A core feature of ELABORATOR is the establishment of Living Labs in six Lighthouse cities and six Follower cities across Europe. These cities, including Milan, Lund, and Velenje, serve as experimental grounds where innovative mobility solutions are demonstrated, evaluated and refined. The Living Labs facilitate the transfer of knowledge and successful practices, making it easier to scale solutions across different urban contexts.
Figure 1: Helsinki, Finland is among the six Lighthouse cities that will pilot key interventions.
Among the pilot projects are initiatives focused on:
- Electric Vehicle Integration: Cities are testing the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into their transportation networks, including the development of EV charging infrastructure and incentives for EV adoption.
- Bike-Sharing Schemes: Developing and promoting bike-sharing programmes that provide affordable and eco-friendly transportation alternatives for urban residents.
- Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Areas: Redesigning city spaces to be more pedestrian-friendly, which includes expanding sidewalks, creating pedestrian zones, and improving public transit connectivity.
Community Engagement
Engaging local communities is vital for the success of ELABORATOR. The project actively involves citizens in the planning and implementation processes to ensure that the mobility solutions developed meet the actual needs and preferences of the urban population. This engagement not only enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the solutions but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among residents.
Knowledge Hub
To support the dissemination and replication of successful mobility solutions, ELABORATOR has established a comprehensive Knowledge Hub. This hub consolidates research findings, best practices, and policy recommendations, making them accessible to stakeholders across Europe. The Knowledge Hub serves as a valuable resource for cities looking to adopt and adapt innovative mobility solutions, facilitating widespread adoption and scalability.
Impact and Future Prospects
ELABORATOR’s impact is already visible in the participating cities, where significant advancements in sustainable urban mobility are taking shape. For instance, Milan has implemented inclusive mobility pilots that enhance accessibility for all citizens, while Lund focuses on integrating smart transportation systems to streamline urban mobility.
Figure 2: Lund, Sweden is one of the six Followers cities that will learn and exchange with the Lighthouse cities to plan and implement their own sustainable solutions.
The future prospects for ELABORATOR are promising. The project aims to expand its network of cities and stakeholders, fostering a Europe-wide movement towards sustainable urban mobility. By maintaining its emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, ELABORATOR is well-positioned to continue driving the transition to climate-neutral urban environments.
The ELABORATOR project stands as a testament to the European Union's commitment to sustainable development and innovation. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders and focusing on practical, scalable solutions, ELABORATOR is paving the way for a future where urban mobility is efficient, inclusive and environmentally friendly. As the project continues to evolve, its contributions will be instrumental in shaping sustainable cities across Europe, making a significant impact on both the environment and the quality of urban life.
Link:
[L1] https://www.elaborator-project.eu/
Please contact:
Angelos Amditis, ELABORATOR project coordinator, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS)
