Logistics solutions that deal with requirements of the 'on demand economy' and for shared-connected and low-emission logistics operations

Topic description

Specific Challenge:

Urban, metropolitan and peri-urban areas are experiencing a huge increase in demand for new logistics solutions that deal with the requirements of the 'on demand economy' and incorporate opportunities for shared, connected and low-emission logistics operations. Research is needed on how to prioritize and combine a number of competing interests from the private side and public (policy) side.

Proposals should address all of the following aspects:

• Developing value cases for integrated systems of logistics/ freight operations in urban, metropolitan and peri-urban areas, such as TEN-T urban nodes and consolidation centres in urban areas.
• Addressing (and planning for) the integration of low-emission, and possibly connected (automated) delivery vehicles (e.g. cargobikes, drones) in urban logistics.

In line with the Union's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation international cooperation is encouraged.^[1]

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 2 to 4 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Actions will result in a clear understanding of cost effective (non-vehicle technology based) strategies, measures and tools to achieve essentially zero emission city logistics in major European urban centres by 2030.

Actions will deliver new tested, demonstrated practices and solutions for better cooperation between suppliers, shippers and urban/regions policy makers (planners). These actions should clearly provide inputs for the preparation and implementation of sustainable urban logistics plans (SULPs) and/or SUMPs and other planning (private and public side) tools, such as big data and real-time traffic management.

Socio-economic science and humanities
International cooperation

[1](COM(2012)497)