Transformative technology: The ticket to better transport
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
New Wave of Transport Innovation: Technology-Driven Change
The pace of technological innovation in the transport sector is accelerating at an astonishing rate. In 2010, global sales of electric vehicles were almost non-existent, yet they are projected to reach 13 million units in 2023. Today, a few swipes on a smartphone can get you a ride or a delivery in minutes. However, significant challenges remain to reduce the transport sector's climate impact and extend the benefits of these innovations to more people.
Currently, the transport sector accounts for nearly a quarter of direct carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion. Recent technological innovations, however, are unlocking the potential to significantly reduce the sector's carbon footprint. For example, shared mobility solutions like car-sharing and bike-sharing have been made possible by the widespread use of smartphones and ubiquitous access to wireless data. Additionally, modern green logistics systems rely heavily on the digitization of transactions and the seamless tracking of goods.
The convergence of technological innovations in digital connectivity, data platforms, automation, and alternative energy is fundamentally transforming the transport sector. This is paving the way for transport systems that are more efficient, greener, safer, and more inclusive.
However, to realize these benefits, several critical questions must be addressed. What makes a technological innovation transformative? How can we maximize the benefits and mitigate potential negative impacts? What are the roles of the public and private sectors in technology adoption? How can we tailor these solutions to the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)?
A recent global report, "Transformative Technologies in Transport," takes a deep dive into these advanced technologies, analyzing how they can help pave the way for better transport while reducing the sector's negative impacts. The report provides a panoramic view of recent tech-driven innovations in the transport sector, with specific examples from developing countries to advance policy discussions.
For instance, a World Bank study on the electrification of Shenzhen's entire bus fleet found that China's electric buses produce 37.56% fewer lifetime greenhouse gas emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. In Kenya, the gradual replacement of traditional paper-based driving licenses with cards embedded with smart chips has reduced the waiting time for a license from six months to just a few days, while also improving the management and security of the transport system.
10 Key Questions
Why is technological innovation transforming the transport sector?
How can technology improve the efficiency of transport systems?
How can technology support the decarbonization of the transport sector?
How can technology help ensure a just transition to a climate-smart transport system?
Why are transformative technologies in transport important for development? How can developing countries prepare for and leapfrog with technology adoption?
What are the roles of the public and private sectors in technology adoption? How can an enabling environment for technology adoption be created?
What are the key technological trends in passenger mobility, and how can governments support large-scale technology adoption?
How can technology improve public transport services? What is the best approach to managing technology-generated data?
How do innovations in digital infrastructure maximize the potential of multi-modal integration platforms?
What are the key technology investment areas for the World Bank in transport, and how can its engagement in transformative technologies be scaled up?
These questions provide critical insights for addressing current and future transport challenges. We hope to see the changes brought by technological innovation in the transport sector and explore ways to build a better world through them.
MAY 08, 2024
