Rationale
Over the next 10-15 years, transportation will undergo significant changes due to population growth, urbanisation, climate change, and the energy transition. By 2050, seven out of ten people will live in urban areas and one in three people worldwide will own a car. The energy transition from fossil fuels to electrification and renewable sources will be a significant driver of change, and the fight to eradicate poverty will highlight issues of equity and inclusion. The way we handle this transition will significantly impact how our transportation systems and societies function. Transforming mobility will require more than just technology and infrastructure. Transforming mobility will require innovation on all fronts: in the way we think, we plan, we design, we deliver, and manage transport systems.
Established in 2022, the IRF Innovation Committee is being led by the International Road Federation with the support of its members, partners and other important stakeholders in the sector.
Objectives
Bring forward the expertise of IRF Members
Identify knowledge expertise gaps
Enhance advocacy to drive change
Foster partnerships to implement new initiatives
Areas of Work
Technology
New technologies will be essential to generate data, transform this data into “intelligence”, and help us make the right investment, operations, and policy decisions.
Materials
By supporting the development of affordable high-volume roads which are resilient to the increasing extreme climate change conditions and traffic demands.
Inclusivity
Making sure everyone gets access to safe, affordable and reliable transportation.
Sustainability
Environmental impact consideration at an early stage of design will be crucial to achieve the green transition in infrastructure sector.
Joining the Committee
The Committee is open to IRF members, road operators, technology providers, research institutions, national and regional authorities, associations, and other organisations upon invitation by IRF.