Can digital innovation support global environmental sustainability

This is a million-dollar question. What is certain is that, over the past few years, sustainability has become one of the most relevant topics in many sectors. The increasing perishment of the planet has raised many questions about our future. Constant debates are in progress worldwide, and companies and people have committed to finding the best solution to achieve sustainability. Innovation and digital transformation appear to be significant strategies that involve disparate sectors and markets.

New digital transformation era

We are currently in the fourth wave of digitalization. The transportation industry has been using digital technology and methods for some time. However, the current digital era is radically transforming the way the industry supports the sustainable development of society, reverses the dramatic consequences of pollution, and helps the world thrive again.

Expectations of how the industry reacts to environmental challenges are quickly evolving, and this new era presents opportunities for both operators and travelers. Therefore, a conscious analysis of all current challenges may represent one of the keys to making public transport even more environmentally sustainable.

Can digitalization transform public transport into a more frequent travel choice and support emission reduction?

What makes public transport more appealing to passengers?

It is not only comfort. Nor is convenience the only expectation that leads customers to opt for a train or a bus, rather than driving their car. They also expect transportation services to be affordable and timely.

The consequences of technologies and new advanced integrated platforms will help the transportation industry move in parallel with the fourth wave of digitalization to meet the changing expectations of the modern commuter.

It appears that the border between transport operators and customers became much thinner than it used to be. Passengers can rely on onboard digital solutions to express preferences in real-time having a more direct and responsible impact on transport operators and their strategic sustainable development. It is not only a matter of data collection at the end of the journey but also a continuous and meticulous control over passengers’ feedback on sustainable solutions.

People believe that sustainability is one of the top priorities in improving our world, and digital transformation seems to be perceived as a key enabler.

Passengers’ expectations in 2050, according to the Statista Research Department, show that:

“96% of passengers stated that they expected that aircraft would need to be more environmentally sustainable in 2050”

Therefore, today the best way to improve services is to work more closely with passengers to fully understand what they need and expect in terms of digital solutions and services. And how these, in turn, drive cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions.

Opportunities to support the environment

The fourth wave of digitalization also referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), is now contributing to improve the market and create new opportunities for the transportation industry aiming to increase efficiency, lower costs and facilitate accessibility.

IoT is a powerful foundation for enabling sustainable development. Thanks to a plethora of internet-connected devices, collecting data through advanced information technology is now much easier and more accurate.

The data comes from different sources and is typically collected in real time. This volume of data, also known as “Big Data,” can now drive real-time decision-making by transport operators and travelers. Eventually, the collected data will be highly relevant for the strategic planning of any transport provider, which is a crucial step toward the actual development of a more sustainable transport system.

For example, the China Urban Transport Database (CUTD) was developed in 2010 to pursue more sustainable urban transport through “Big Data” collection, analysis, and resulting improvements. China’s need to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution prompted the idea that public transport could represent the most promising way to face and solve these issues. Therefore, the China Urban Transport Database collects essential data to help China tailor sustainable solutions to user needs and expectations

The full potential of IoT goes beyond big data collection. It allows remote vehicle management, which helps prevent and resolve challenges in real-time. For instance, a sustainabl

Taking concrete actions

As of today, we all have a role to play in supporting the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), a significant global initiative. The United Nations set these goals in 2015 to promote sustainability and protect the planet. Transportation is a key instrument in achieving the goals. It impacts a wide range of matters, such as health, pollution, energy, and economic growth.

The role played by these goals will have a fundamental meaning in achieving the implementation of all measures for sustainable transportation infrastructure with a CO2 emission reduction of 50% by 2050, as stated by the United Nations.

Looking at the statistics, it appears that the

“Railway energy efficiency has doubled since 1975. Electrification has expanded to cover one-third of the global network and powers almost 45% of all rail activity. Rail companies are choosing to invest directly in renewable energy, which now powers more than 20% of electric-powered trains”

- MOBILIZING for DEVELOPMENT Analysis and Policy Recommendations from the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport, available  online, p. 35

It is clear that technology significantly impacts all areas of sustainable development and can play an essential role in achieving the goals. New technologies can support sustainable solutions throughout several global angles:

Socially, advanced technology can guarantee better safety, public transport, and increasing affordability. It can make transport more accessible for people with disabilities or the elderly.
Environmentally, technology offers new and enhanced opportunities for a cleaner, more climate-friendly transport system, and less pollution.
Economically, an increase in the efficiency of transport technology results in economic growth through cost-cutting and waste-cutting.
At this stage, it is critical to work together. Investors and decision-makers are expected to create a coworking environment where technological innovations have space to develop and integrate into society strategically. This potential outcome must be drawn over a long-term plan nourished by a futuristic vision and sensitive emphasis on the present moment, where the need for actions around environmental sustainability is stronger than ever before.

We all aim for a better world. We all need significant changes in front of the dramatic degradation affecting our planet. In front of the evidence, mankind has finally developed a much deeper awareness, which is why digital transformation aims to efficiently drive the transportation industry to a new fully sustainable era.

“The answer to these problems is not less transport - it is a sustainable transport. We need more systems that are environmentally friendly, affordable and accessible”  

Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

External References:

Rusul Abduljabbar, Hussein Dia, Sohani Liyanage and Saeed Asadi Bagloee Department of Civil and Construction Engineering; Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia, 2019.
The Fourth Wave of Digitalization and Public Transport: Opportunities and Challenges Paul Davidsson, Banafsheh Hajinasab, Johan Holmgren, Åse Jevinger and Jan A. Persson Internet of Things and People Research Center, K2—The Swedish Knowledge Centre for Public Transport, Department of Computer Science, Malmö University, Malmö 20506, Sweden, 2016.
Mariah Venice Afable, Sustainable transport solutions - Mobilizing the world’s sustainability goals, Bold Business Magazine, January 2019.
Transportation Industry Matrix, United Nations and KPMG, 2016.
MOBILIZING for DEVELOPMENT Analysis and Policy Recommendations from the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport, available online
Sustainable Transport Data Collection and Application: China Urban Transport Database, Tian Jiang, Zhongyi Wu, Yu Song, Xianglong Liu, Haode Liu, and Haozhi Zhang, China Urban Sustainable Transport Research Center, China Academy of