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Swedish demonstration of strength around freight transportation of the future

Monday, December 18, 2017

More electric-powered transportation in cities. A greater degree of automation in loading and unloading. Better communication between modes of transportation. These are a few of the starting points for the feasibility studies now being arranged by CLOSER, the national collaboration platform for transportation efficiency.

“The goal is to develop concepts that can form the basis for new commercial and internationally competitive transportation solutions,” says Sofie Vennersten, Programme Manager for CLOSER, a collaboration platform for the business sector, academia, and various societal stakeholders at Lindholmen Science Park.

A total of seven feasibility studies will be carried out until the summer in two main areas:

  • Connected and digitized logistics systems
  • Logistics solutions that speed up the transition to a sustainable transportation sector

A few specific examples:

Development of digital locks will simplify e-commerce for private individuals.

Creating conditions for electric-powered garbage trucks, which will make cities quieter and more environmentally friendly.

Electric-powered truck fleets in tightly-packed city environments produce a more efficient distribution of goods that saves on resources.

All of these are a part of the Government’s innovation partnership program, “The next generation’s travel and transport.” The venture comprises SEK 11.7 million in total; half of the money comes from Vinnova (Sweden’s innovation agency) and the Swedish Transport Administration, and the other half from the 26 project participants.

 “Sweden is far out in front as regards collaborating to produce innovative solutions. Now we are seeing opportunities to take bold new steps that can definitely increase Swedish ability to compete,” Sofie Vennersten says.