In this edition of our Partner in the Spotlight series, we are pleased to feature RACC, one of Europe's leading mobility organisations, dedicated to improving mobility through safer, more sustainable, efficient and accessible transport solutions. Since its foundation in 1906, RACC has worked to place people at the centre of mobility by combining independent research, road safety expertise, public policy engagement and user-focused services.
Celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, RACC continues to play an active role in shaping the future of mobility by promoting evidence-based policymaking, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration between public authorities, industry, research organisations and civil society. Through initiatives such as its Mobility Institute and participation in European projects, RACC contributes to creating mobility systems that are not only smarter and more connected, but also safer, more inclusive and responsive to citizens' needs.
In this interview, Josep Mateu, President of RACC, reflects on how mobility has evolved over the past 120 years and discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by digitalisation, electrification and connected mobility. He also shares RACC's perspective on the importance of collaboration across the mobility ecosystem, the value of the ERTICO Partnership, and why keeping the user at the heart of innovation is essential to building the future of transport.
Could you provide a brief introduction to RACC and its mission within the mobility ecosystem?
RACC has been committed to improving mobility since its foundation in 1906. Our mission is to promote safer, more sustainable, more efficient and more affordable mobility, always putting people at the centre. We work to improve infrastructure, enhance road safety through education and prevention, and provide independent research that helps shape public policy and informed debate. Through our active participation in European and international initiatives, we share knowledge, promote best practices, and contribute to the future of mobility, advocating for a balanced coexistence of all transport modes.
RACC is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, marking more than a century of supporting mobility and road users. Looking back on this remarkable journey, how has mobility evolved during that time, and what role do you see organisations like RACC playing in shaping the next generation of mobility solutions?
Over the past 120 years, mobility has undergone an extraordinary transformation - from the early days of motoring to today's connected, shared and increasingly sustainable transport systems. Throughout this journey, RACC has evolved alongside these changes while remaining true to its mission: improving mobility for people. We have promoted better infrastructure, championed road safety through education and prevention, and provided independent research to support better public policies.
Looking ahead, organizations like RACC have an important role to play as trusted partners that connect citizens, public authorities and the private sector. By generating knowledge, contributing to European initiatives and promoting evidence-based solutions, we can help ensure that the next generation of mobility is not only smarter and more innovative, but also safer, more sustainable, accessible and affordable to everyone.
At the same time, organizations with a strong understanding of users' needs and behaviour can play a key role in accelerating the adoption of new mobility solutions. Understanding what people value, what motivates their choices and what barriers they face is essential to designing mobility services that respond to real needs. By bringing the user's perspective into innovation and policymaking, organisations like RACC can help bridge the gap between technological progress and its successful uptake by society.
Through your work in road safety, mobility research, public policy and user services, RACC has developed a unique perspective on transport challenges. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and barriers to creating safer, more sustainable and user-centric mobility systems in Europe?
One of the biggest opportunities is the fast transformation of mobility through digitalization, new mobility services and artificial intelligence. These innovations can make mobility safer, more sustainable and more personalised, while improving the user experience and enabling more efficient mobility systems. However, technology should always be a means to an end, not an end in itself.
At the same time, one of the main barriers is ensuring that this transformation remains people-centered. Europe needs mobility systems that respond to different territorial realities, guarantee the safe coexistence of all road users, and are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, digital skills or where they live. Achieving this requires collaboration between public authorities, industry and civil society, as well as policies based on evidence and users' real needs. At RACC, we believe that innovation must go hand in hand with safety, sustainability and inclusion.
Data, connectivity, digitalization and emerging mobility technologies are reshaping how people and goods move - what trends do you believe will have the greatest impact on citizens and cities over the next decade, and how is RACC helping public authorities, businesses and users navigate this transition and maximise its benefits?
Over the next decade, we expect three major trends to fundamentally reshape mobility.
First, mobility systems will become increasingly integrated, connected and data driven. The combination of digital connectivity, real-time information and secure data sharing will enable more seamless, personalised and efficient mobility services, making journeys easier for users while helping cities optimise transport networks and make better-informed decisions.
Second, the energy transition will continue to accelerate, with electromobility becoming an increasingly mature and accessible option for everyday travel. This shift will require not only investment in infrastructure, but also policies and services that make the transition simple, reliable and attractive for citizens.
Finally, the gradual deployment of connected and automated mobility will open up significant opportunities to improve safety, accessibility and efficiency. However, it will also require careful management of a long transition period in which automated and conventional vehicles will coexist, raising new regulatory, operational and societal challenges.
At RACC, we see our role as helping ensure that these technological advances translate into tangible benefits for society. Through independent research, collaboration with public authorities, industry and academia, and a deep understanding of users' needs and expectations, we help identify opportunities, anticipate challenges and promote solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also practical, trusted and widely adopted.
Collaboration between public authorities, industry, research organisations and mobility service providers is increasingly important. How does RACC contribute to building partnerships that support innovation and deployment in the mobility sector?
RACC believes that the future of mobility can only be built through collaboration. As an independent organization representing the interests of citizens and road users, we act as a bridge between public authorities, industry, academia and other mobility stakeholders.
A clear example of this commitment is the Mobility Institute, an independent platform established by RACC in 2018 to analyse emerging mobility trends and foster dialogue across the mobility ecosystem. Today, it brings together more than 50 member organizations, creating a diverse and representative network of public institutions, private companies, research organisations and other stakeholders committed to shaping the future of mobility in Spain.
Beyond facilitating collaboration, we contribute through independent research and evidence-based analysis, including annual mobility barometers on cycling, e-scooters and pedestrians, as well as road infrastructure risk assessments across Spain that help identify high-risk sections and improve road safety.
Through policy dialogue and active participation in European and international initiatives, we share knowledge, promote best practices and support innovative, people-centred mobility solutions.
Our goal is to contribute to a mobility ecosystem that is safer, more sustainable and better adapted to society's evolving needs.
As an ERTICO Partner, what value do you see in being part of a cross-sector network that brings together stakeholders from across the European intelligent transport and mobility community?
Being part of ERTICO provides RACC with a unique opportunity to engage with Europe's leading innovation ecosystems in intelligent transport and mobility. It gives us early insight into emerging technological trends, policy developments and collaborative initiatives that are shaping the future of mobility across Europe.
Equally important, ERTICO creates a trusted environment where public authorities, industry, research organisations and mobility service providers can exchange knowledge, develop common approaches and accelerate the deployment of innovative mobility solutions. This cross-sector collaboration is essential to addressing the complex challenges facing mobility today.
For RACC, being part of this network also strengthens our ability to contribute to European discussions and bring a user-centred perspective to innovation and policymaking.
If you could describe the ERTICO Partnership in one word or sentence, what would it be and why?
Immersion in a leading-edge technology ecosystem.
Curious about our European foothold and initiatives? As ERTICO celebrates 35 years of collaboration and innovation in intelligent mobility this year, take a closer look at the ERTICO Partnership video and download our Partnership Brochure to learn more about the opportunities, offers and benefits of being part of the Partnership.
