More than 800 decision-makers from 52 member countries of the International Transport Forum debated on 26-28 May 2010 in Leipzig, Germany, under the Canadian Presidency, the role of innovation in global transport by attending the successful 2010 edition dedicated to “Transport and Innovation: Unleashing the potential!”. "Transport must seek new ways, and get better at its old ways, if it wants to overcome its dependency on oil and provide greener, safer, more efficient and more accessible mobility for all” said Jack Short, ITF Secretary General of the International Transport Forum.
Further keynotes were delivered by Siim Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission, Amar Bhidé, Harvard University, Ian Goldin, Oxford University, Wolfgang Mayrhuber, CEO, Lufthansa, John Micklethwaite, Editor-in-Chief, The Economist or by Horst Köhler, ex President of Germany who provided the audience with a very interesting and visionary speech.
He said:
"Today there are almost seven billion people living on earth. In 40 years, in 2050, it will be noticeably more than nine billion. There are many things which divide these billions of people – seas and mountains, borders and language barriers. But there is also a great deal which connects them, such as the need for mobility and the desire to participate in the global economy. That is why transport is key for quality of life and cooperation between nations and why the mobility of people and goods has grown so rapidly over the past two or three decades".
[…]
“Experts believe that the number of vehicles could double between 2002 and 2030. The frequency and density of air transport in Asia and South America, which has up to now been far lower than in the West, will quickly increase. It is true of almost all transport modes: transposing the figures for industrialised nations to other continents results in dizzying levels of movement. However, if this increase in movement is also linked to the correlating increase in environmental impact and consumption of resources then we should not only be feeling dizzy but also afraid and concerned. Already today 13-14 % of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by transport – some estimates are much higher. We cannot and should not continue in this vain. That is why it is clear that the world does not just need more mobility, but for the good of our environment – and for our own good – it needs better mobility”.
[…]
“If I have understood correctly, the International Transport Forum 2010 is looking for answers in technological innovation. And there are doubtless many opportunities there. But any assumption that innovation means ‘cars with reduced emissions’ overlooks greater potential. Let us also develop solutions to avoid unnecessary journeys and transport before they take place and plan our cities more efficiently. Let us think about what we like about our mobile lifestyles and what is simply frustrating and time-consuming; what is worth keeping and what is not. Indeed, let us consider how we really want to live, what contribution good mobility concepts make to that and how we can make them attractive for everybody.”
[…]
“The question that must initially be asked is what we value and the price we pay for it. Passenger or goods transporters currently pay for fuel, staff, vehicles, fees. But they pay little or nothing for air and noise pollution, health costs, environmental and climatic costs. I am convinced that if consumers knew the true costs for society and the country they would be prepared to pay a little more for less travelled prawns if this clearly spares the environment. Because the environment is often very highly valued by people – but unfortunately still all too rarely taken into account in the price. Charging true costs would lead to environmentally friendly solutions. It would also make transport on inland waterways and by rail more attractive. This would lead to expansion of the rail network. And the charging of true costs can be achieved or if necessary imposed, by political decisions.”
You will find his overall speech in the right column (in english, french and german).
The large interest that UIC members have expressed for this kind of platform of exchanges was evidenced by UIC’s participation in the Forum and discussions through the participation of Jean-Pierre Loubinoux on the panel “Getting down to business: Partnerships for a more innovative Transport System” on 28 May.
He said:
"At a time when competition is growing and the whole transport sector is fragmented, it is neccesary to have more complementarity between the modes of transport, for intermodality, fluidity, and better communicating systems. Partnerships (not only PPP, but also institutional,financial, industrial,…) are also needed to bring forward innovative ideas. As transport grows business and business grows transport, innovations are necessary with a business and service approach. Innovations mean expenses, however an expense today can be a saving for tomorrow. And the strict financial ROI (Return On Investment) shouldn’t be the only concern. We have to look at the benefit for society too."
