Mobility systems enable participation in everyday life. Technological progress has had a major influence on transportation in the form of smart mobility. Smart mobility systems entail the effective use of innovative technologies through the collaboration of various actors. These actors, such as transport authorities, researchers, and planners, collect significant data, synthesise information, and respond with methods, tools, designs, and strategies for urban and regional development.
While smart mobility solutions have the potential to enable inclusive transport, they will not do so by default. If not also guided by socially sustainable efforts, smart mobility can offer “intelligent” solutions that are, in effect, unwise with regards to offering long-term sustainability for cities and regions. This may be of particular concern for certain population groups – such as children and older adults – who may suffer in relation to safety, affordability, and accessibility for independent movement, essential services, and social activities. This is not merely due to digital competencies but also the increased datafication of decision-making processes, which can affect social inclusion and overall well-being. Identifying and addressing these barriers can ensure that the Nordic Region’s smart mobility systems support the goals for green, competitive, and socially sustainable development.
Project focus
This project sits at the intersection of mobility, social sustainability, and transportation technologies (intelligent transportation systems). It examines how smart mobility systems can better support social sustainability in Nordic cities and regions. The research focuses on the effects of smart mobility systems on children as well as older adults.
Up until now, Nordic smart mobility initiatives have prioritised electrification, energy efficiency, and digitalisation. The social dimensions have received less attention. These include mobility justice, age-related needs, gender equality, children’s mobility patterns, micro-mobility and accessibility. Such aspects remain under-researched, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. This project seeks to address this gap.
Objectives
The project aims to support local and regional planners and transport authorities in developing more just smart mobility systems and finding ways to integrate mobility justice into policy, planning, and intelligent transportation systems.
To achieve this, the project makes qualitative inquiries about mobility justice within transportation policy and planning the Nordic countries. The work includes a conceptual review, policy analysis, case studies, interviews with public authorities and representatives of children and older adults, and synthesis.
Project structure
The project is structured in four phases:
1. Developing a Nordic mobility justice framework
First, the project develops a conceptual framework and shared lexicon to assess mobility justice in Nordic transport planning. Literature reviews and stakeholder feedback support the development of the framework.
2. Comparative analysis of policy and practice
Next, the project reviews how Nordic countries address mobility justice in national transport plans and local/regional mobility strategies. Interviews with planners and transport authorities support this work. The analysis will enhance understanding of gaps, barriers, and opportunities for more equitable smart mobility solutions.
3. Perspectives from mobility-vulnerable groups
In parallel to the previous step, the project gathers views from representatives of children and older adults. Interviews and focus groups explore everyday mobility experiences of these two target groups. These insights help test and refine the conceptual framework.
4. Synthesis and dissemination
The final step combines policy analysis, practitioner perspectives, and input from mobility-vulnerable groups. The findings will inform a policy brief, a journal article, and a revised Nordic mobility justice framework to support future transport planning and decision-making.
By understanding existing issues with mobility justice in Nordic cities and regions and how smart mobility systems can enable equitable and age-friendly transport, the project provides practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners working to create socially sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions across Nordic cities and regions.
This research project is a part of the Nordic thematic group for land use, prioritisation and planning. The Nordic thematic groups contribute to the Nordic co-operation Programme for Regional Development and Planning 2025-2030 under the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Committee of Senior Officials for Regional Policy (EK-R).
