Transport societal drivers Specific challenge: A sound understanding of behavioural and societal factors –including economic, social, demographic, cultural and gender issues where relevant- that influence transport demand and supply is needed to ensure that, in shaping transport policies and research and innovation activities, the values, needs and expectations of the society are met.Scope: A forum for communication, collaboration, relationship-building should develop multi-stakeholder interactions and produce an action plan for innovative solution/options for transport and mobility to advance the agenda of the transport sector and society at large. The work should be inclusive of the state of the art of ideas, trials and business endeavours on new mobility concepts.Stakeholders from within and outside the sector should be involved, in particular: policy makers, civil society organisations, end-users, industry including suppliers (vehicles and components – all modes) and transport service providers, academia and research organisations. These actors, by being engaged in this collaborative and knowledge-mobilisation process, will learn to explore together the most appropriate and viable solutions.Links and synergies with transport-related European Technology Platforms (ETPs) and the on-going TRANSFORUM[1] project would add significant value. The action plan should focus on: Understanding user needs, mobility choices, aspirations and behaviours. Assessing how new mobility concepts would contribute to the overall transport efficiency. Exploring implications for policies, regulations, standards, forms of governance. Analysing societal resistance to acceptance of emerging transport technologies and services. Exploring market opportunities alongside the innovation chain, including services. Foster consensus-building and public-engagement, thus facilitating the dissemination of good practices and the deployment of innovative transport and mobility solutions.Dedicated outreach activities to foster awareness and engagement of transport users and of the young generations in particular should be undertaken, in order to enable the development of responsible and innovative attitudes as regards their mobility behaviour.Proposals shall have a minimum duration of two years, with partners coming from at least 10 different countries and from the above-mentioned types of organisations. The maximum EU contribution cannot exceed EUR 3 million.Expected impact: The setting up of this participatory framework is expected to: Ensure an inclusive approach in providing a comprehensive overview of new forms of mobility and transport, and their implications for users, the environment, society as a whole and policy makers. Enhance and better target transport policies and research and innovation priority setting. Address the mobility needs of specific groups and communities (accessibility; affordability, inclusiveness, safety, ageing population, etc.). Promote innovative/alternative business models and social innovation. Enhance corporate social and environmental responsibility.Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions[1] http://www.transforum-project.eu/
