Overview
Technological and social developments occur neither linear and parallel to each other, nor in common speed, but there is a rising interconnection of different areas and their mutual influence. Examples are numerous in the logistics and freight mobility in urban areas and so the reactions and interventions of the public sector are widespread. It is hardly possible to set up simple models for concept development and performance measurement as the different dimensions and impact dependences are too complex, because the subject includes all logistical, organizational, technological, regulatory and communications possibilities.
By learning about causes and impact dependencies within cities also the urban freight topic gets increasingly in the focus of public discussion. Political actors, municipalities, interest groups and other stakeholders therefore seek to implement innovative solutions in the field of logistics and freight mobility in cities, yet often independently without common coordination. There was too little attention in the past regarding the causes and impact dependencies of such measures and interventions, where a focus on direct and indirect effects in the framework of an overall concept of a Smart City beyond only freight issues is necessary. This comprehensive approach, which describes the effects of partial measures on a system rather than stand-alone solutions, represents a major challenge, since the parts of the system vary, and their influences are complex. A common, neutral model for illustrating causes and impact dependencies is intended to contribute to a more common and further understanding of effects, and can therefore support a coordinated approach to the stakeholders.
The aim of the project WiGiB is to examine these causal relationships and impact dependencies, and the creation of an easily applicable, intuitive tool for users in practice (municipalities, planners, other stakeholders) in order to show the expected effects of measures and interventions. As a basis for the tool a comprehensive system model is created, which includes measures (endogenous causes), conditions (exogenous causes), effects and objectives. In the course of the development workshops will be carried out integrating the cities of Vienna and Graz, as well as other relevant stakeholders. The work will consider existing research results in this area and will build up on their findings as well.