• Energy Research

Traditionally backcasting studies in the field transport are based on a single normative vision (often with clearly stated targets) and alternative pathways are then developed to reach that vision. This paper expands the discussion on the role and importance of backcasting towards using multiple visions as a part of strategic transport planning process. This is done by presenting a method for pluralistic backcasting, which is defined as a process where multiple visions of the future are developed in a participatory, interdisciplinary process using the Delphi method. Further, the pathways to the alternative visions are constructed with a set of policy packages in a collaborative process with key stakeholders. The pluralistic backcasting approach outlined in the paper presents a set of practical tools to support development and implementation of climate strategies and policy programmes for transport. It presents a novel, policy relevant application in the field of backcasting. The approach is tested with a case study of multiple visions of the future on CO2 emissions for transport in Finland up to the year 2050, including the identification of required policy packages to achieve the visions.

Traditionally backcasting studies in the field transport are based on a single normative vision (often with clearly stated targets) and alternative pathways are then developed to reach that vision. This paper expands the discussion on the role and importance of backcasting towards using multiple visions as a part of strategic transport planning process. This is done by presenting a method for pluralistic backcasting, which is defined as a process where multiple visions of the future are developed in a participatory, interdisciplinary process using the Delphi method. Further, the pathways to the alternative visions are constructed with a set of policy packages in a collaborative process with key stakeholders. The pluralistic backcasting approach outlined in the paper presents a set of practical tools to support development and implementation of climate strategies and policy programmes for transport. It presents a novel, policy relevant application in the field of backcasting. The approach is tested with a case study of multiple visions of the future on CO2 emissions for transport in Finland up to the year 2050, including the identification of required policy packages to achieve the visions.

The paper contributes to two research gaps: (1) The need for knowledge on key urban form characteristics promoting the scale-up of car sharing services in a sustainable way, (2) The need for practical approaches in the dialogue between key private and public actors introducing or expanding car sharing in local contexts. These requirements are addressed through a Finnish case study in two locations. By combining car sharing use data, monitoring data on urban form and mobility patterns, and stakeholder interviews, we present a novel approach to promote sustainable car sharing. The approach widens present knowledge on the sustainability potential, role and business potential of shared mobility in future urban transport systems. It also provides a tool for cooperation among urban and transport planners and car sharing providers. Our analysis shows that well-designed car sharing services can provide a sustainable and agile opportunity for the mobility demand of urban residents. However, achieving sustainability demands requires systematic and integrated user profile, daily mobility, and urban form analysis enforced equally by the city or municipality and private service providers.

The paper contributes to two research gaps: (1) The need for knowledge on key urban form characteristics promoting the scale-up of car sharing services in a sustainable way, (2) The need for practical approaches in the dialogue between key private and public actors introducing or expanding car sharing in local contexts. These requirements are addressed through a Finnish case study in two locations. By combining car sharing use data, monitoring data on urban form and mobility patterns, and stakeholder interviews, we present a novel approach to promote sustainable car sharing. The approach widens present knowledge on the sustainability potential, role and business potential of shared mobility in future urban transport systems. It also provides a tool for cooperation among urban and transport planners and car sharing providers. Our analysis shows that well-designed car sharing services can provide a sustainable and agile opportunity for the mobility demand of urban residents. However, achieving sustainability demands requires systematic and integrated user profile, daily mobility, and urban form analysis enforced equally by the city or municipality and private service providers.

If the Nordic energy and transport sectors are to meet the 2050 energy and climate policy targets, major systemic changes are necessary. Along with new technologies, changes are required also in other societal functions such as business models and consumer habits. The transition requires cooperation between public and private actors. This paper discusses the paradigm change towards 2050 Nordic road transport system based on renewable energy. More precisely, it proposes an approach for creation and analysis of prospective value chains up to the year 2050. The value networks arise from three alternative, but partly overlapping technology platforms, namely electricity, biofuels and hydrogen. The approach outlined in the paper combines elements from the fields of system level changes (transitions), value chain analysis and forward looking policy design. It presents a novel, policy relevant application with a set of practical tools to support development of implementation strategies and policy programmes in the fields of energy and transport.

If the Nordic energy and transport sectors are to meet the 2050 energy and climate policy targets, major systemic changes are necessary. Along with new technologies, changes are required also in other societal functions such as business models and consumer habits. The transition requires cooperation between public and private actors. This paper discusses the paradigm change towards 2050 Nordic road transport system based on renewable energy. More precisely, it proposes an approach for creation and analysis of prospective value chains up to the year 2050. The value networks arise from three alternative, but partly overlapping technology platforms, namely electricity, biofuels and hydrogen. The approach outlined in the paper combines elements from the fields of system level changes (transitions), value chain analysis and forward looking policy design. It presents a novel, policy relevant application with a set of practical tools to support development of implementation strategies and policy programmes in the fields of energy and transport.

There has been a rapid uptake of electric scooter (e-scooter) sharing services in cities in recent years. However, the academic literature is still scarce on how e-scooter operators contribute to sustainable urban mobility through their business models. In this qualitative case study, we analyse the sustainability of these rapidly evolving sharing services through a frame of sustainable business model archetypes, and study value transfer, its obstacles, and its controversies within the Finnish urban transport system. While e-scooter services mainly target delivering functionality over ownership, according to the operators, combinations of approaches are applied that contribute positively to sustainability. These include, for example, increasing the lifecycle of scooters, recycling of scooters and their parts, using renewable energy, commi ing to climate compensation, and promoting road safety and the responsible use of scooters. The findings indicate that in Finland, e-scooter services are seen to have potential in serving the first and last miles of public transport journeys. Due to a lack of binding regulation, co- and self-regulation is emphasized and is supported by active information and data sharing with public authorities. While sustainability is embedded in many ways into the business models of e-scooter operators, there are still potential sources of unsustainability aff ecting the urban transport system. For example, current business models favour convenience over physical activity, which can reduce the amount of active travel and use of city bikes.