How to approach innovation in urban mobility

It is well known nowadays that most digital innovations deliver not only technological improvements in existing urban services and assets, but also create new ones that can lead to changes in societal behaviour – as well as disruptive changes to traditional economic systems.

Digital innovation today – reshaping economies

The shared economy and gig economy, as well as e-commerce, are just a few examples of the ways in which IT platforms are able to connect buyers and sellers in real time from anywhere in the world. Digital innovation has helped to create virtual markets where supply and demand are met with an ease never seen before, and as a consequence, has generated new business models that have forced commercial organisations to rethink existing ones.

Today, this type of innovation is so widespread that it is practically impossible, or at least very difficult, to generate new business models without considering digital platforms and their associated markets. There are no longer any business models that are generated and neglect technology, nor are there technologies that can exist without a business model that gives them meaning. The relationship between digital platforms and clear, sustainable business models are symbiotic, and as long as businesses realise this, it is now easier than ever to transform business initiatives into real business.

The complex urban mobility ecosystem

Among all the urban services and activities that cities and municipalities offer to citizens, urban mobility is probably the most commented on, studied, exploited and scrutinised of all. It has a significant impact on society and on our lives.