JRC published a policy report on research and innovation in connected and automated transport in Europe

At the beginning of January 2020, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) – the European Commission’s science and knowledge service have published a policy report on “Research and innovation in connected and automated transport (CAT) in Europe”. The report aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policy making process.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of research and innovation (R&I) in connected and automated transport in Europe in recent years, focusing on European Union-funded projects. It identifies progress in several thematic fields and technologies while highlighting the policy context and market activities in Europe and beyond. The assessment follows the methodology developed by the European Commission’s Transport Research and Information Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS). The report critically addresses research by thematic areas and technologies, highlighting recent developments and future needs.

Among others, the main findings and conclusions include:

• Under the European initiatives FP7 (2007-2013) and H2020 (2013-2019) over € 1.5 billion has been invested in CAT research projects. This includes € 1 billion of EU funds and about € 500 million of own contributions by beneficiary organisations. In total, 1,526 unique organisations participated in FP7 and/or H2020 projects on CAT.
• Spending on CAT research under H2020 peaked at the beginning of 2018. Road transport received the greatest interest, while waterborne transport receives the smallest amount of funds for CAT research among all modes.
• A text analysis of scientific research indicates that the number of publications in CAT is on the rise. Connectivity and safety and on-board equipment are the most present sub-themes. The EU has the highest number of scientific publications overall, followed by the US and China, respectively.

Find the full report here.