Physical Internet (PI) is a concept for system-thinking of city infrastructures like computing assets that can be provisioned “on-demand” through cloud-like “Infrastructure as a Service” (IaaS) concepts (Franklin et al., 2023). PI proposes pooling resources and assets in open, connected, synchro-modal and shared networks so that they can be used seamlessly by network users and partners.
In a PI environment, real-time freight data sharing and route optimisations become critical tools for operators, allowing swift response to delays, reducing dwell times, and realizing efficiency benefits. PI advocates for greater policy consistency in data-sharing ecosystems, urging city governments to adopt a collaborative, data-driven approach to policymaking and sustainable planning.
In this webinar on 27 March 2024, you will hear current practices that embrace the concept of Physical Internet to increase efficiency while contributing to the decarbonisation of the sector.
The webinar is supported by two ongoing EU-funded projects: DISCO and URBANE.
URBANE, or Upscaling Innovative Green Urban Logistics Solutions Through Multi-Actor Collaboration and Physical Internet (PI)-inspired Last Mile Deliveries, is a HORIZON Europe project that supports the transition path towards effective, resilient, safe and sustainable last-mile transport, through four Lighthouse Living Labs (LL) in Helsinki, Bologna, Valladolid and Thessaloniki. This will facilitated by its URBANE Innovation Transferability Platform comprising Digital Twinning Tools, open models, smart contracts governed by blockchain technology and a data-driven Impact Assessment Radar.
12:00 Welcome & introduction to the workshop, Paola Cossu, Co-Chair of the ALICE TG on Urban logistics
12:05 The URBANE Living Lab in Bologna, Alice Benini – Project manager at the Institute for Transport and Logistics (ITL)
12:20 Business representative (tbc)
12:35 Open discussion and Q&A from the audience, Paola Cossu
12:55 Wrap up and next steps, Raffaele Vergnani, Urban Freight Cluster Lead at POLIS
A strategic discussion has been in place between POLIS and ALICE since 2019, which has resulted in a strong and well-recognised alliance between the two organisations over the years. The common vision of this venture is to support each other’s members to accelerate the transition as fast as and as effectively as possible by continuous gathering and sharing of initiatives, and networking activities facilitating collaboration. Both organizations want to be at the forefront of urban transformation, proactively addressing issues with pollution, traffic, safety, and the environment through urban freight and logistics.
Across the series, governance, technology, planning, incentive schemes and more are explored. It is a chance to learn how public-private partnerships are being deployed in novel ways to leverage cutting-edge digital technologies and data-sharing mechanisms. It will also provide an opportunity to hear about new concepts and opportunities between ongoing EU-funded projects and initiatives.
Most of the webinars in this series are reserved exclusively for POLIS and ALICE members, with a select few open to the public.