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Mobility

Coordinated by Q-PLAN International, the Mobility Working Group (WG) under the SKILLBILL joint initiative, along with the rest three working groups is dedicated to address key developments and challenges in the decarbonization of the mobility sector.

Mission and Objectives — The Mobility Working Group, in collaboration with three other groups, has the task of effectively decarbonising the mobility sector and driving innovation in the field of renewable energies. This is to be achieved by developing skills for sustainable renewable energy and mobility technologies, recommending regulatory changes for a favourable transition environment, formulating guidelines for educational programmes and identifying the necessary skills required for current and future jobs in the renewable energy sector. In particular, the group aims to inform the industry about future needs for renewable mobility, make suggestions to policy makers for regulatory improvements and align technological progress with educational requirements.

Lighthouse Expert — Professor Johan Wideberg is at the head of the mobility working group. He holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lund, Sweden, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Seville. Has four years of experience in multinational companies specialising in research and development, followed by 25 years at the University of Seville, where he was a key contributor to the Transport Engineering and Infrastructure Group. He is currently Deputy Director of the School of Engineering at the University of Seville and plays a key role as principal investigator in various national plan projects and privately funded initiatives.

1st Meeting Highlights — The 1st meeting, held on 27.11.23, concluded with a summary of the most important points for the SKILLBILL project.

The main highlights from the 1st meeting are focused on:

  • Emphasising the need for cooperation between governments and businesses to promote environmentally friendly practises through incentives such as tax breaks and aligning national laws with EU directives;
  • Aiming to urban planning that emphasises mixed-use areas, efficient public transport and compliance with EU directives;
  • Recognising soft skills in engineering alongside additional training in AI and renewable energy;
  • Considering the role of local regulations in promoting sustainability and integrating mobility plans with other sectors;
  • Supporting technological advances such as intelligent transport systems;
  • Advocating for gender equality in the workforce and education reform.

Overall, the meeting demonstrated active engagement, enthusiasm in proposing future topics and fostered a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
As a result, the goals were successfully achieved and a productive tone was set for future sustainable mobility initiatives.

2nd Meeting Highlights — The 2nd SKILLBILL Mobility Working Group took place on May 23rd 2024, exploring the regulatory shifts necessary for fostering a supportive environment for sustainable mobility.

Key Recommendations:

  • Align training programs with industry needs to equip the workforce with relevant skills for sustainable renewable mobility.
  • Implement national regulations to promote responsible electric vehicle use through incentives, European regulations integration, and awareness-raising measures.
  • Encourage the installation of chargers in both private and public spaces and address cultural and behavioral resistance to change.
  • Improve urban planning to accommodate charging infrastructure and provide incentives for installing charging stations.

Importance of Integrating National Policies:

  • Enhance cooperation and efficiency by establishing standardized data-sharing platforms across EU countries.
  • Harmonize regulations on data sharing, emissions, and car sharing to create a cohesive framework supporting electric vehicles and sustainable mobility.
  • Recognize the importance of innovative incentives such as higher hotel ratings for electric car charging slots and reducing municipal taxes for carpooling practices.
  • Discuss the influence of insurance policies on the uptake of new mobility solutions, using examples like Finland’s mandatory insurance for certain motorized devices to highlight the broader implications of policy measures.

While the Mobility WG has successfully completed its tasks, we look forward to continued collaboration and progress through semestrial online meetings, mobilization and mutual learning workshops, and a plenary meeting scheduled for the coming months. Stay tuned for further updates as the project unfolds and future WGs contribute to the renewable energy transition.

3rd Meeting Highlights –  The 3rd SKILLBILL Mobility Working Group, facilitated by Q-PLAN and led by Lighthouse Expert Johan Wideberg, took place on November 22, 2024, bringing together industry leaders, academia, and policymakers to refine training and education programs for sustainable mobility. Discussions focused on addressing skill shortages, reskilling needs, and emerging competencies required for the evolving transportation sector.

Key topics included integrating AI in sustainable mobility, improving electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and battery technology training, and optimising traffic systems through automation. Participants stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration, advocating for partnerships between academia and industry to ensure practical, market-relevant training. Simulation tools, AR/VR learning, and public awareness programs were also explored as methods to enhance workforce preparedness. The group emphasized the inclusion of circular economy principles in mobility education, encouraging the reuse of materials and sustainable urban transport planning.

Key Recommendations

  • Develop AI-driven training programs to support automation and optimization in mobility.
  • Enhance stakeholder collaboration between industry and academia to create relevant courses.
  • Expand the use of AR/VR tools and simulation software for immersive learning experiences.
  • Introduce specialised workshops for electric vehicle maintenance and sustainable transport solutions.
  • Promote lifelong learning initiatives through professional certifications and continuous training programs.

The meeting underscored the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in developing training that aligns with market needs. The rapid advancement of mobility technologies necessitates adaptable education strategies and integrating innovative digital tools like AR/VR will be key to enhancing learning experiences. However, challenges such as funding constraints, workforce resistance to change and public awareness gaps remain obstacles to widespread adoption.

With a strong commitment from all participants, the Mobility WG continues to pave the way for a well-trained workforce capable of supporting the transition to sustainable transportation. As SKILLBILL progresses, these recommendations will guide the development of effective, future-proof mobility training programs. Stay tuned for our last round of WG coming soon!