Fostering the Diffusion of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in Intermodal Logistics in Italy

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) relying on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been recognised as important enablers of efficient intermodal logistics processes and are therefore receiving attention from EU policy makers. ITS can indeed boost performances and facilitate the development of the intermodal logistics industry itself. ITS could be particularly important for countries with a good potential for the implementation of intermodal logistics. Italy is among these, being the second-largest market in Europe for domestic rail-road transport. Moreover, it is accessible via sea due to its strategic positioning in the Mediterranean area and is closely connected with Central and Northern Europe markets. Still, there are many barriers to a broader spread of ITS in Italy, such as the high fragmentation of the freight transport chain, the limited vertical integration among the players and the reluctance to embrace change when outcomes are uncertain and difficult to assess. This paper provides an overview of the barriers to ITS adoption in intermodal logistics, maps the operative needs of Italian companies in this regard, and presents some of the results of a funded project aiming at fostering ITS adoption in intermodal logistics in Italy.