If implementing the policy goals of governments is a problem on the horizon, the problems confronted by logistics operators within cities is here and now.
Accurate, on-time and economic delivery is the key to success but congested roads, legal constraints and man-power issues are a constant source of frustration. Often stand alone solutions to these problems are proposed and test modules deployed yet without engagement in the wider context, the full benefits of innovation fail to mature.
Our aim is pollution free city logistics and for this, the mere use of alternative-powered vehicles will not be enough. The total structure of urban logistics has to be re-analysed and a holistic approach adopted. Our academic institutions have research, the city and its citizens have the need, can you provide the means?
The Global Challenge
With a world population of over 7.6 billion, half now live in fast growing cities. This trend to urbanisation seems unstopable and with it the problems created, the chief of which is pollution. Even Vienna, recently named as the most liveable city in the world, is affected. Yet the problem is not insurmountable. With dedicated, innovative thinking and a spirit of co-operation, all cities can produce an environment in which its citizens can thrive and prosper.
It is that spirit of innovation and co-operation which has brought the University of Life Sciences (Boku) and the Port of Vienna together in the partnership of thinkportVienna, an innovation centre where the cutting edge of logistics innovation can be sharpened to meet the material requirements of the growing population
- urbanised populaton 3,500,000,000
- percentage of the land which is urbanised is 1%
Confirmed as the most liveable city in the world, supplying the city and its people with the materials of life is a key element of liveability. The creation of thinkportVienna affirms our commitment to an ongoing process of innovation in all aspects of the logistics infrastructure.
“Fifty percent of the world’s population lives in cities. In a couple of decades, 70 percent of the world’s population will be living in cities. Cities are where the problem is. Cities are where the solution is, where creativity exists to address the challenges and where they have most impact”.