Integration with other Policy Areas is challenging
We asked PA Coordinator Mr. Šakalys whether PA Transport is integrating well with other policy areas and we were told that integration transport sector with other policy areas or sectors is challenging.
- The rise of connected vehicles and their interaction with infrastructure is increasingly intertwined transport sector with telecommunications. Practically, we could hardly find modern vehicle or with transport related equipment that would not have telecommunication elements. We should also keep in the mind the other emerging information and telecommunication technologies revolutionizing global connectivity. Therefore, as a rule, we use information and telecommunication technologies experts to work together on research and projects in field of transport, he describes.
We should speak about connectivity rather than transport
Mr. Šakalys predicts that in the future the definition “transport“ will no longer used at all, but will be replaced by definition “connectivity“ or “mobility“, since connectivity is a 21st century mega trend that is reshaping the world, including transport sector.
- In terms of cooperation with other PAs and sectors, I would like to note that the revised EUSBSR Transport Action Plan contains measures towards climate neutral transport (Action 2). Transport is responsible for a substantial part of the EU’s greenhouse emission, making it the second biggest emitting sector after energy. Significant reduction in the emissions from the transport and logistics sector are needed aiming to achieve the EU long term climate goals. Focus will be done on transformation towards a fossil–free society, PA Transport coordinator remarks.
Fruitful cooperation with Policy Area Energy
Cross-sectorial cooperation is needed to address such challenges. Mr. Šakalys tells that PA Transport has already started dialogue with the PA Energy coordinator on cooperation in organizing a thematic workshop “Towards climate neutral operations of main transport hubs (harbours, dry ports, intermodal terminals and inland ports) along and nearby CNCs in the BSR”. The event is planned for the first half of this year. Stay tuned for more information about this event!
Disappearance of the barriers between different modes of transport?
Last, but not least, we asked PA Transport coordinator to share his insights about the future of EUSBSR and Policy Area Transport.
- My vision for transport sector for the next decade is based on the assumption that the sector will be able to successfully adopt innovations that are revolutionary and that will ensure building an interconnected transport system spanning all modes of transport, in which people, vehicles and transport infrastructure continuously interact, where people and business are provided with easy and safe door-to-door mobility services. Thus, the disappearance of the barriers between different modes of transport would create the possibility to supply of homogeneous/integrated mobility and connectivity services, Mr. Šakalys presumes.
Digitalization, automation, 5G technology are key elements
PA Transport Coordinator informs that the revised EUSBSR Transport Action Plan will contribute to an ambitious innovation in the transport sector. Specifically, the Transport Action plan (Action 3) sets out an action aiming at creation of added value of sustainable and efficient transport system in the Baltic Sea Region.
- The digitalization, automation, 5G technology, blockchain technology and synchro-modal transport solutions are key instruments for integrity of transport modes along the supply chain and to reduce bottlenecks, also transport externalities, realization of Smart Specialization (S3) policies is a great tool for the achievement of the above –mentioned goals, Mr. Šakalys concludes.