Connectivity and Mobility
European cities increasingly face problems caused by transport and traffic. Efficient and effective urban transport can significantly contribute to achieving objectives in a wide range of policy domains for which the EU has an established competence.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has an increasing challenge with accessibility (to the region), flow and congestion (within the region), and sustainability (emissions) both on road, rail and water. This applies to both goods and passenger flows. Economic growth and expansion plans in housing construction are leading to extra pressure on the existing infrastructure and additional challenges in logistics and mobility. The attractiveness of, and growth within, the region results in scarcity in several areas: mobility, space, energy and resources. The question is: how can this scarcity be best shared and organised?
The economic growth and attractiveness of the region is closely related to its excellent physical and digital connectivity, for example via Schiphol Airport and the Port of Amsterdam. The port and airport are also confronted with increasing pressure on space and a more critical political and public opinion with regard to its 'footprint' and the consequences for the liveability of the environment.
Within the research theme Connectivity & Mobility, we focus on research into a sustainable logistics and mobility system (1) for the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, which is optimally connected with other metropolitan regions in the world. Smart logistics (2), reliable logistics (3) and efficient use of scarce space (4) are resources for sustainable logistics and mobility. Within Amsterdam, the focus will be on food, construction and waste.