Urban Mobility KIC 2016-2018

Purpose and goal

The project aimed to establish a successful application to form an Innovation Community with EIT in urban mobility, in 2018. The Innovation Community would be an integrated platform for collaborative research, education and innovation for breakthroughs in the future of urban mobility the movement of people, goods and services in, through and between urban spaces. The application was judged to be one of Europe’s three strongest initiatives in the area, but a competing initiative was ultimately selected to form EIT Urban Mobility.

Expected results and effects

The project gathered 50 leading mobility actors supporting the application, as well as 150 organizations showing their willingness to support and join the initiative in the future. The application united the consortium under a common strategy and clear operative process and business model. An attractive concept focusing on the needs of the user within the context of collective responsibilities and requirements was developed and used as the basis for the application. A competing initiative, with a similar focus, was nevertheless to selected in the final evaluation by the EIT.

Planned approach and implementation

The project spanned a large time period and many of disciplines, requiring sustained effort from several partners. This led to a broad and ambitious approach, but also a lack of focus and clarity. Tactical choices were made to adapt to EIT rules, which may have led to strengths of the consortium not being visible. The project approach involved a thorough assessment of strengths, opportunities, visions, and unique value. Despite the long process, partners did not lose commitment or trust in Chalmers management, with many willing to make significant contributions of time and resources.