EIT Urban Mobility Manifesto published: a vision for sustainable and competitive urban mobility
EIT Urban Mobility has unveiled its Manifesto, a strategic blueprint outlining policy priorities for the 2024-2029 European Union mandate. The document underscores the EIT’s principles for innovation deployment through collaboration and agile partnership.
The Manifesto calls on EU institutions and stakeholders to accelerate innovation, foster inclusive transport systems, and improve public health and quality of life through smarter urban mobility policies.
The Manifesto highlights the need for simplified, innovation-friendly policies. It recommends simplifying procurement and regulatory processes to encourage cities to adopt clean-tech solutions, such as smart charging infrastructure and multimodal hubs. It also advocates for context-specific innovation, such as flexible car-sharing in urban areas and improved public transport connectivity in rural areas.
Supporting startups and SMEs, key players in Europe’s urban mobility ecosystem, is a key focus. EIT Urban Mobility urges policymakers to provide easier access to EU funds and create EU-wide legislative sandboxes to help small innovators overcome bureaucratic barriers. Initiatives like agile innovation calls enable startups to quickly test mobility solutions in urban environments.
The manifesto stresses the need for training and education, integrating vocational training into EU mobility initiatives to equip cities and professionals for the green transition. Additionally, it calls for cities to play a central role in the Social Climate Fund (SCF) to support low-income households in transitioning to cleaner transport options, ensuring a fair and inclusive mobility shift.
To scale urban mobility innovations, EIT Urban Mobility recommends simplifying processes and increasing financial resources in the upcoming Framework Programme for Research & Innovation for 2028-2034 (so-called FP10). It advocates for an impact-driven, KPI-focused approach to ensure competitiveness and faster, more agile funding for startups and SMEs, as they rely on timely support to keep innovations relevant and scalable.
Implementing these recommendations will make cities more livable and sustainable, while boosting Europe’s competitiveness and accelerating the deployment of innovative solutions. Cross-sector collaboration—between government, academia, industry, and civil society—is key to ensuring the scalability and impact of these innovations.
The Manifesto sets the stage for collaboration with policymakers, industry, academia, and civil society to bring transformative urban mobility solutions to life.
To kick off engagement with policymakers, we hosted a high-profile roundtable, “Transforming European Urban Mobility through Innovation”, on 3 December at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event, co-hosted by MEP Lena Schilling and EIT Urban Mobility and featuring a keynote speech by CEO Maria Tsavachidis, gathered leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. Discussions focused on the role of sustainable mobility innovation in achieving EU CO2 reduction goals and supporting start-ups and SMEs. Ahead of the Clean Industrial Deal, the event showcased European-made solutions and partnerships, highlighting how cities can scale mobility innovations with the right support and funding.
For more information, please contact Luana Bidasca, EU Affairs Manager: [email protected]