Smart mobility specialization through the eyes of Filip Tikal, strategic project developer of the Regional Innovation Strategy of the Pilsen Region (RIS3)
When you say “smart mobility” in the Pilsen Region, what aspects are we most focused on? What does the local development tackle?
In the Pilsen Region, smart mobility focuses on several key aspects. One of them is sustainable transport development, where R&D focuses on increasing the efficiency and smooth flow of traffic, including environmentally friendly solutions, such as low- and zero-emission vehicles. Another important objective is improving road safety, which includes the development of new technologies and systems that can reduce the number of traffic accidents, and increase the protection of road users. The Pilsen Region also supports innovations in urban mobility, focused on smart solutions for city transport, such as intelligent transport systems that optimize traffic, and improve the accessibility of public transport. The region emphasizes co-operation between research institutions, universities, and industry, including international co-operation and the implementation of research and innovation projects. Supporting young innovative companies and start-ups that bring new technologies and solutions in the field of smart mobility is also an important part of this. Together, these aspects contribute to making the Pilsen Region a leader in smart mobility and sustainable transport development in the Czech Republic.
Smart mobility is one of the five specializations of the Pilsen Region, why this domain? Does this mean that local companies, developers, and research in general specialize in it?
Smart mobility is one of the five specializations of the Pilsen Region for several reasons. The region has long been committed to innovation and sustainable development, which includes the modernization of transport systems. The Pilsen Region has a strong industrial tradition, and is home to major companies and research institutions specializing in smart mobility technologies. Local companies, such as Škoda Transportation, and research institutions, such as the University of West Bohemia (UWB), play a key role in the development and implementation of smart transport solutions. These organizations collaborate on projects that include autonomous vehicles, intelligent transport systems, and the use of 5G networks to improve traffic flow and safety.
Can you name any other companies or research organizations that focus on smart mobility in the region?
One of the most important players is the already mentioned Škoda Transportation, which focuses on manufacturing of rolling stock, including trams, underground trains, and electric locomotives, and also concentrates on innovations and modern technologies that increase the efficiency and safety of rail transport. Another important institution is the UWB, which is involved in R&D in the field of smart mobility through its faculties and research centres, such as the New Technologies Research Centre (NTC). The university co-operates with industry on projects in the field of autonomous driving systems and intelligent transport systems. The COMTES FHT research organization specializes in materials analysis and development of new materials that can be used in transport vehicles, as well as innovations in metallurgy and the mechanical properties of materials. Another company is Virtual Lab, which specializes in the development and application of virtual reality in various fields, including smart mobility. It collaborates with other entities on projects that use virtual reality to simulate and optimize transport systems. The Research and Testing Institute Pilsen deals with testing and the development of new technologies for vehicles, including rolling stock. The Institute works with industry to improve the safety and efficiency of transport systems.
How does our region compare to others, in terms of the use and the development of aspects of smart mobility?
As I said, we are one of the leading regions in our country. Overall, the Pilsen Region is very advanced in the field of smart mobility and its focus on rolling stock, and co-operation between different entities makes it one of the leaders in this sector in the Czech Republic. Compared to other regions, such as Prague or South Moravia, which are also active in smart mobility, the Pilsen Region has the advantage of a high concentration of industrial and research capacities, focused on transport technologies. Prague’s focus, for example, is more on the integration of smart transport systems into urban infrastructure, while the South Moravian Region is more active in the development of autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems.
Smart mobility has the potential to improve quality of life, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and contribute to the sustainability of cities. Have I left out any other benefits?
Indeed, smart mobility offers many benefits that can significantly improve the quality of life in cities. Besides reducing congestion, pollution, and contributing to the sustainability of cities. Smart transport systems can reduce accidents through better traffic management, and the use of autonomous vehicles minimizes human error. Smart transport systems allow better use of existing transport infrastructure, which can lead to cost savings in the construction of new roads and bridges. Smart mobility can improve the accessibility of public transport, making travel easier for all citizens, including those with limited mobility. Investing in smart mobility can create new jobs and boost the local economy. Businesses and research institutions can become leaders in innovation and technology. More efficient transport systems can lead to lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, benefiting both individuals and businesses alike. Cutting transport emissions using clean vehicles and better traffic management contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Smart mobility also includes the promotion of active forms of transport, such as walking and cycling, which contribute to better health of the population. Together, these benefits contribute to making smart mobility a key element for the future development of cities, and improving the quality of life of their inhabitants.
Does it actually have any downsides? For example, should we be concerned about safety in autonomous vehicles? Or might it be a problem that everything is automated? Doesn’t the increased use of smart mobility elements mean fewer human resources, and possibly job losses?
Of course, in addition to its many benefits, smart mobility also brings some negatives and challenges. One of the main concerns is the safety of autonomous vehicles. While autonomous vehicles can reduce the number of accidents caused by human error, there are still risks associated with their reliability and cyber security. For example, in emergency situations, it may be necessary for the driver to take control over of the vehicle, which can be problematic if they are not fast and ready enough. Another concern is that higher levels of automation may lead to job losses, especially in areas where routine and manual jobs are easily replaced by machines or robots. This may include, for example, production lines, warehousing, and customer service. On the other hand, automation also creates new job opportunities in areas such as the development and maintenance of new technologies, which require new skills and training. Automation and smart mobility can also lead to privacy issues, as the collection and analysis of large amounts of data on people’s locations and behaviour can be misused. So, it’s important to ensure that these technologies are implemented with respect to data protection and transparency. Overall, it’s essential that the implementation of smart mobility takes into account not only its benefits, but also its potential risks and challenges, and that measures are taken to minimize these.
What achievements in this specialization can we really be proud of in the region?
The Pilsen Region has become a hub for testing autonomous rolling stock and intelligent transport systems. Projects have been implemented to develop and implement ITS that improve the flow and safety of traffic in cities. In addition, infrastructure for environmentally friendly vehicles has been expanded, supporting sustainable transport development in the region.
What is coming up in the near future?
The new hydrogen intervention in the Pilsen Region will also focus on smart mobility, which will bring several significant projects and initiatives. Another key element of this strategy is international co-operation. The Pilsen Region will be involved in international projects and initiatives that support the development of hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. This co-operation allows the region to benefit from the experience and technologies of other countries, and to contribute to the development of the European hydrogen ecosystem.
