Digital platforms for transport research - status quo and future perspectives

Regine Gerike, Matthias Fuchs  , Sebastian Dengel, Stefanie Heik, Stefan Hubrich, Markus Leyser, Stefan Mäs  , Johannes Weber, Pascal Kerschke  , Matthias Begoin

This research article systematizes the current state and future perspectives of digital platforms in transport research, driven by increasing digitalization and data availability. Following an interdisciplinary expert workshop and a desk review of 36 non-commercial platforms, the study identifies EU regulatory frameworks (e.g., the ITS Directive) and viable commercial business models as primary drivers for data provision. The findings reveal a fragmented landscape where public and private mobility data availability is improving, yet significant deficits persist for specific research-generated data like travel surveys and field observations. The authors classify platforms by content and functionality, noting that most lack advanced analytical tools. The study concludes that establishing dedicated, secure platforms for research data, addressing privacy concerns and standardization is essential to maximize public funding impact and foster synergies between academia, urban planning, and private innovation.