On 29 January, ERTICO opened its doors to welcome STREnGth_M (Stimulating road Transport Research in Europe and around the Globe for sustainable Mobility) consortium partners and stakeholders for the project’s final event, marking the close of a three-year journey of collaboration, reflection and progress in road transport research.
The event brought together the diverse voices that have shaped STREnGth_M from the start. As a Coordination and Support Action, the project set out to strengthen the foundations of road transport research in Europe and beyond. Over three years, it supported ERTRAC in defining road transport research (RTR) priorities in the rector, updating Strategic Research Agendas and Roadmaps in the sector, and facilitating collaboration between Horizon Europe road transport partnerships and platforms.
Along the way, it explored research barriers, training and skills needs, national-level research landscapes across Europe, and developments in emerging and future markets worldwide.
A Recap of the Final Event
Held in a hybrid format, the Final Event reflected the project’s inclusive approach. With 29 participants gathered in person at ERTICO’s offices, while a further 39 joined online, the consortium of 23 partner organisations revisited the early challenges that had shaped the project and shared the results, insights and solutions developed in response. This set the scene for lively and thoughtful discussions on what has been achieved and what still lies ahead for road transport research.
The project focused on Europe’s twin transition: electrification and digitalisation, including the need for new skills, updated education and training programmes. An issue it addressed is the fact that many strong research results do not reach deployment, due to structural, regulatory or market barriers.
Discussions explored ways to improve alignment and reduce fragmentation across road transport research programmes, while also taking into account global developments that shape Europe’s competitiveness in this field. The wide range of outputs discussed during the event can be explored in more detail through the public deliverables available on the project website.
ERTICO played a central role throughout the three-years
ERTICO led work on national-level research in Europe, including the development of Deliverable 3.1, which offers a visualisation of the sustainable road transport research landscape across EU Member States. ERTICO also supported dissemination and communication activities, notably by coordinating the project’s Multiplier Group. This group of 44 external experts provided advice, input and feedback across many aspects of the project, helping to enrich its outcomes.
The event’s presentation slides and a dedicated article will be made available in the coming days through ERTRAC media.
STREnGth_M will also have a stand in the exhibition area of the Road Transport Research results (RTR) Conference in Brussels from 10 - 12 February 2026. Visitors are warmly invited to stop by and discover more about the project and its results.