In an interview with Traian Urban, Director of the EIT Urban Mobility hub in Prague, you will learn how this organisation supports innovations in urban transport across Eastern Europe. EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, connects cities, businesses, and universities to collaboratively find solutions for sustainable and efficient mobility. Urban discusses the collaboration with various partners, the challenges faced in the region, and how EIT Urban Mobility aids cities in improving their environment and economy through innovative transport solutions. The interview reveals the path towards sustainable urban mobility in the future.
What role does EIT Urban Mobility play in fostering collaboration between cities, corporations, and universities in Eastern Europe?
EIT Urban Mobility acts as a platform that connects key players in urban mobility. Our goal is to bring together cities, corporations, and academic institutions to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. We believe that such collaboration is key to effectively developing sustainable transport systems.
Could you provide specific examples of how EIT Urban Mobility has assisted individual stakeholders in the region?
One example is a project focused on integrating smart transport solutions in Prague, where we collaborated with local partners to develop a system for optimising traffic flow and reducing CO2 emissions in urban transport. Another project in Budapest aimed at developing cycling infrastructure to increase the share of cycling transport.
What are the main challenges and obstacles you face in expanding the reach of EIT Urban Mobility in Eastern Europe?
One of the main challenges is the differing levels of technical infrastructure and legislative constraints in various countries. We also frequently encounter differing priorities among cities and varying levels of readiness for implementing innovative solutions.
Are cities and corporations in Eastern Europe actively engaged in EIT Urban Mobility projects? What motivates them the most?
Yes, we are observing growing interest in our projects. The main motivation is to improve the quality of life for residents, reduce environmental impact, and also seize opportunities for economic growth through modern transport solutions.
How does EIT Urban Mobility support innovation and sustainable transport development in regional cities?
We provide grants and support for the development and implementation of innovative solutions. Our support includes networking events that connect startups with potential partners, educational programmes to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, and grant opportunities for financing pilot projects to test new solutions. We help cities identify their specific needs and subsequently collaborate on developing projects that deliver tangible results in sustainable urban transport.
What do you consider to be the greatest success of EIT Urban Mobility in Eastern Europe, and what lessons have you learned during your work?
One of our greatest successes is the establishment of a regional network of partners who actively collaborate on projects with real impact. We have learned particularly about the necessary flexibility required to quickly adapt to changing conditions and the needs of our partner cities.
How do you envision the future of urban mobility in the context of EIT Urban Mobility, and what goals do you set for the upcoming years in this region?
We see the future of urban mobility in intelligent and interconnected systems that will enable more efficient traffic management and reduce environmental impact. Our aim is to continue building a strong network of partners and support the emergence of innovative projects that transform urban mobility for the benefit of all residents.
