At ITRL we believe in an integrated approach – we even have it in our name! To achieve our mission of building and conveying knowledge that contributes to the transition towards sustainable road transport, we integrate disciplines, system levels and stakeholders in our research.
This is achieved through three integration strategies:
Our aim is to study a challenge or a concept from multiple perspectives, acknowledging that each perspective uses different approaches and methods and contributes with valuable insights.
In our research projects, we try to achieve three distinct but interconnected levels of research. These levels should not be considered static, but rather interactive and constantly evolving.
The lowest point of the cone represents the demonstration level, at which time a demonstration, test, or real-life experiment is performed and data & knowledge are collected in the form of measurements, surveys or interviews.
The knowledge gained at the demonstration level is then used at the simulation level to scale up our learnings; we take the results obtained at the demo level and try to simulate, improve, and project their various use cases.
Finally, at the system level, our results from the previous levels are synthesized and presented in the context of “real world” applications. At this point we can continue to test, refine, and learn from our observations, but in more practical, real world use-cases or new projects related to the previous learning.
Projects at ITRL are multi-stakeholder activities, where academia, industry (including SMEs), public bodies and users participate.
By integrating people with different competences, education forms, and experiences, knowledge is transferred and further strengthened. Look out for information on our
project pages
for the partners and stakeholders involved in our projects.
Grand Challenges Towards Integrated and Sustainable Road Transport
As ITRL moves into its next phase (2025–2028), our research and initiatives will focus on addressing four interdependent grand challenges that define the future of sustainable mobility.
Enabling the transition towards integrated and sustainable road transport
The inherent complexity and interdependence of transport systems with societal, economic, and environmental systems pose significant obstacles to creating a cohesive, adaptable, and sustainable transport ecosystem. Decisions in transport can have far-reaching impacts, triggering rebound effects, influencing energy demand, affecting urban planning, and shaping public health outcomes.
Decarbonizing and reducing environmental impacts
Paths towards the implementation of clean fuels, improved vehicle technologies, and sustainable transport practices.
Enhancing accessibility, mobility, and safety
Viability of public transit, active transportation modes, and smart mobility solution to address accessibility, equity, road safety concerns.
Strengthening efficiency and resilience
Addressing inefficiencies in logistics and improving resilience and resource management. This encompasses vehicle traffic management systems, and optimization of freight logistics.
