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Rail Research
MOBILITY & TRANSPORT
The railway sector is positioned to play a crucial role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, including rising traffic demand, congestion, energy security, and climate change. The European Union is committed to advancing rail research and innovation to ensure that railways can meet increasing transport demand while supporting sustainability and competitiveness.
Key Challenges Facing the Railway Sector
Role of EU Research and Innovation
The European Union has recognized the need to foster research and innovation (R&I) to help the railway sector overcome these challenges and achieve a Single European Railway Area (SERA). This involves not only addressing short-term operational issues but also ensuring long-term competitiveness and expanding the market share of rail.
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a prime example of how EU innovation can enhance efficiency, interoperability, and market opportunities within the rail sector.
Past R&I ChallengesDespite numerous initiatives, past rail R&I efforts at the EU level have suffered from:
EU Investments in Rail Research
The EU has contributed around EUR 150 million to various rail research projects, particularly through the FP7 framework programme. However, efforts are now being refocused to ensure better integration of R&I with overarching EU transport and climate goals.
Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking: Driving Innovation
The Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, established under the Horizon Europe programme (2020-2027), succeeds the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking and is at the forefront of driving innovation in the rail sector. Its mission is to provide both technological and operational solutions that will lead the green and digital transformation of European railways.
Key Objectives of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking:
The European rail sector is on the path to becoming more innovative, efficient, and sustainable. Through focused research, innovation, and targeted investments like those seen in the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, railways will play an essential role in the future of European transport. This will help meet rising demand while contributing to a greener and more connected Europe.
Key Challenges Facing the Railway Sector
- Rising Traffic Demand: As population and economic activity grow, so does the demand for transport. Railways are seen as a sustainable solution to alleviate congestion on roads and reduce emissions from other modes of transport.
- Energy Security: Ensuring stable and secure energy supplies is critical, and railways, as a highly energy-efficient mode of transport, can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and contribute to cleaner energy usage.
- Climate Change: The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting a larger share of transport demand to rail, a greener alternative, is essential to meet climate goals.
Role of EU Research and Innovation
The European Union has recognized the need to foster research and innovation (R&I) to help the railway sector overcome these challenges and achieve a Single European Railway Area (SERA). This involves not only addressing short-term operational issues but also ensuring long-term competitiveness and expanding the market share of rail.
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a prime example of how EU innovation can enhance efficiency, interoperability, and market opportunities within the rail sector.
Past R&I ChallengesDespite numerous initiatives, past rail R&I efforts at the EU level have suffered from:
- Fragmentation: Research initiatives were scattered, leading to inefficiencies and duplication of effort.
- Low Market Uptake: Although some projects produced valuable outputs, many were slow to be adopted by the market, limiting their overall impact.
- Lack of Alignment with Broader Policy Goals: Many R&I efforts were not sufficiently focused on completing the Single European Railway Area or on enhancing the sector’s competitiveness.
EU Investments in Rail Research
The EU has contributed around EUR 150 million to various rail research projects, particularly through the FP7 framework programme. However, efforts are now being refocused to ensure better integration of R&I with overarching EU transport and climate goals.
Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking: Driving Innovation
The Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, established under the Horizon Europe programme (2020-2027), succeeds the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking and is at the forefront of driving innovation in the rail sector. Its mission is to provide both technological and operational solutions that will lead the green and digital transformation of European railways.
Key Objectives of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking:
- Supporting the twin green and digital transition in rail.
- Offering solutions for seamless and smart mobility.
- Ensuring rail contributes to the European Green Deal and climate objectives.
The European rail sector is on the path to becoming more innovative, efficient, and sustainable. Through focused research, innovation, and targeted investments like those seen in the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, railways will play an essential role in the future of European transport. This will help meet rising demand while contributing to a greener and more connected Europe.
