Bolstering road transport research in Europe

The European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) has set an ambitious yet realistic vision for an improved European road transport system for the future. A new form of collaboration is needed to better guide transport research for more targeted, efficient and effective use of resources.

To support ERTRAC, the EU-funded FOSTER-ROAD (Future of surface road transport European research) project is bringing together a broad and diverse range of road transport stakeholders to develop a common vision and strategy for research and innovation.

During the first reporting period, project partners began mobilising leading European stakeholders in transport research to define future activities, priorities and roadmaps. These address key societal, environmental, economic and technological challenges in various areas, including road transport safety, urban mobility, long-distance freight transport, global competitiveness, and energy and environment.

The project has gathered input for Horizon 2020, the EU's Framework Programme for research and innovation. A major ERTRAC objective is to support its implementation. Research and technological development (RTD) roadmaps were developed, and work is underway on the monitoring of RTD projects.

Strategic research priorities are being defined together with several other ETPs, and cooperation and networking activities have started with national ERTRAC TPs. A new ERTRAC website and visual identity have also been introduced.

Preparations were put in place to present project outcomes at the Transport Research Arena Conference.

By bringing together key transport players, ERTRAC is helping to develop a shared vision that prevents unnecessary fragmentation and duplication of research efforts. This will result in transport solutions for more efficient energy use, better air quality, enhanced safety and security, and smoother mobility.