A synthesis of requirements for a future digital transport infrastructure

Paper in proceeding, 2011

Purpose of this paper The purpose of the paper is to identify the requirements of a future digital infrastructure based on intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and information and communication technology (ICT), and to highlight the potential effects these requirements could have on transport operations. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a literature study that reviews ITS and ICT publications and maps related ITS and ICT projects. The empirical data has been collected in three phases: a pre-study with semi-structured interviews, a workshop, and complementary secondary data from previous publications. A system approach was applied where it was important to understand not only the system components but also the relations between the components. To be able to do so, the components were studied in their natural relations to each other and not only in their causal relations. Findings The findings are a number of requirements (and their effects) that are necessary for moving toward a realistic ITS and ICT scenario in future transport operations. For example, data availability has been shown to be the number one requirement for building a future digital infrastructure when gathering requirements for freight ICT and ITS systems. Research limitations/implications (if applicable) The paper is mainly focused on land based transportation. Practical implications (if applicable) The paper may provide some insight into which aspects should be taken into consideration when working with improving transport operations and having future technology and concepts in mind. What is original/value of paper Identifying the requirements of a future digital infrastructure and their possible effects has not previously been done and can be of value to other researchers in the field. It may also be of value to those working with transport operations on a strategic level as it can provide limited insight about future trends.