Open Access

The European transport landscape, which is increasingly burdened by the risk of natural disasters, pandemics and geopolitical conflicts, requires a rethink in designing and managing of its multimodal transport networks. The Resilient Multimodal Transport Network (ReMuNet) research project is a response to this problem and a beacon of hope for innovation and strategic thinking. This extended abstract provides an overview of the ReMuNet project, in which, after an introduction, the methodology and results are presented.

In the contemporary landscape of project management, the confluence of effective project execution, quality assurance, and risk management is paramount. This deliverable serves as a comprehensive resource, providing guidelines for the various aspects of project planning and -realization. The project management, quality and risk handbook offers an overview of the tools, strategies, and best practices necessary to ensure successful project execution, the maintenance of high-quality standards, and the effective management and mitigation of risks. To ensure the successful implementation of the project, we provide clear directions for project operations and reporting. This includes essential information about the project and related templates. The primary purpose of this handbook is to swiftly furnish this critical information to all ReMuNet stakeholders.

The first work package of ReMuNet establishes the theoretical foundation for the project by investigating the impact of disruptive events on transport chains and analysing mitigation options. It lays the foundation for common standards to describe sustainable European multimodal transport networks for all stakeholders and presents a requirements-based reference for the technical development of the digital solution components, such as the collaborative platform and the routing algorithm. As integral part of the first work package Task 1.1 aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the relevant stakeholders within the multimodal transport ecosystem. It is led by FIR Institute for Industrial Management at RWTH-Aachen in collaboration with Humlog Institute at Hanken School of Economics, MANSIO GmbH, Fraunhofer Austria, Hafen Wien GmbH, White Research SRL, UIRR s.c.r.l., Vediafi Oy, Danish Red Cross, and ETP-ALICE. The research undertaken in this task uncovers the existing impediments that actors within multimodal transport encounter in the event of disruptions. Drawing from stakeholders’ experience with previous disruptions Deliverable 1.1 explores existing strategies and contingency plans and deduces specific stakeholder needs to increase preparedness for future events. Understanding the needs of multimodal transport stakeholders will help shape the outcome of the ReMuNet project by addressing technological requirements, business-related concerns, and regulatory constraints. In addition, the sustainability efforts of various stakeholders are highlighted and the potential for reducing emissions through the comprehensive use of digital tools is analysed. The findings outlined in Deliverable 1.1, "Needs analysis of relevant stakeholders for the European multimodal transport network," are crucial for the development of digital modules. Recognising and meeting the requirements of key stakeholder groups is fundamental to ensuring the ReMuNet solution is practical, sustainable, and widely accepted. The stakeholder analysis was conducted using desk research, surveys, and semi-structured interviews with experts to evaluate the value generated by key stakeholders, pinpoint challenges, and ascertain their roles within the multimodal ecosystem. In addition, collaborative digital and physical workshops have been organised involving industry experts and consortium partners. The workshops served as a platform for in-depth discussions, and offered the opportunity to challenge assumptions, and refine project details. The gathered insights include information from representatives involved in the immediate transport chain such as freight forwarders carriers, terminal operators, and other relevant entities. Additionally, adjacent stakeholder groups including government bodies, industry associations, and non-governmental organisations such as environmental groups, have been examined. Given ReMuNet's piloting focus on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors North Sea-Baltic (CORR 2) and Rhine-Danube (CORR 9) within work package five, particular emphasis was placed on stakeholders operating in these geographical areas. Based on studies conducted on European intermodal freight transport a methodology has been developed to estimate the intermodal potential of TEN-T corridors. Supplemented with up-to-date corridor-specific data on freight volumes, modal splits, transport infrastructure etc. this methodology enables the estimation of freight volumes that could be transported intermodally, and consequently the potential for emission reduction.

The ReMuNet project focuses on enhancing multimodal transport ecosystems along two essential European Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors: the North Sea-Baltic (NSB) and Rhine-Danube (RD). The overall objective of ReMuNet’s third work package is to design a collaborative platform that enables high operational interconnectivity for event-based, synchromodal relay transport, tailored to the unique characteristics and requirements of these corridors. Within this work package, Task 3.2 investigates and documents the current European multimodal transport ecosystem, identifying key pain points and defining the core value proposition of the ReMuNet solution. This task sets the stage for innovative business model (BM) development, laying the groundwork for the ReMuNet solution to be effectively integrated into existing transport ecosystems. Task 3.2 kicks off with a comprehensive analysis of the current ecosystem using Business Ecosystem Mapping to capture the unique features of the NSB and RD corridors. This mapping draws on extensive desk research, surveys, and workshops, supplemented by detailed interviews with a range of stakeholders, many of which were initiated in Task 1.1. These interviews help to establish archetypical role profiles for central actors, documenting their exchange relationships and specific pain points, and highlighting the responsibilities and challenges faced by each role. By visualising the transport processes, including information and financial flows, ReMuNet creates a clear picture of how value moves through the system, allowing the team to identify inefficiencies and establish the requirements for an improved platform model. Insights gathered through this process are synthesised in a Value Stream Model developed collaboratively through workshops. This model provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the system’s existing structure, mapping the flow of information and resources while highlighting key challenges and areas needing improvement. By creating a common understanding of these value flows, the Value Stream Model informs the development of a catalogue of requirements that guides the platform’s design, ensuring it is closely aligned with the ecosystem’s pain points and specific needs. This catalogue of requirements serves as the foundation for ReMuNet’s platform ecosystem. Designed using the Ecosystem Design Canvas, the ReMuNet platform is structured to provide tailored solutions that adapt to each actor’s specific role within the network, fostering sustainable business models that are both cooperative and competitive - a "coopetitive" approach. This design enables role-specific adaptations and supports the development of sustainable practices that align with the ecosystem’s goals. ReMuNet’s iterative approach to design also ensures flexibility, allowing the platform to evolve alongside the transport ecosystem as new roles or needs emerge. Deliverable 3.2, one of two formal outcomes of Task 3.2, consolidates these findings and insights. Led by FIR at RWTH Aachen University with the support of industry experts and academic researchers, Deliverable 3.2 provides a comprehensive description of the NSB and RD ecosystems, using Business Ecosystem Mapping to structure the existing local value creation systems and summarise role-specific pain points and needs. This deliverable also prepares the way for integrating the ReMuNet solution by facilitating a shared understanding among stakeholders, essential for building resilience in cases of rerouting or disruptions. The unified approach provided by Deliverable 3.2 enables ReMuNet to establish easily implementable solutions and develop a robust transformation methodology for the current ecosystem. Building the ReMuNet platform on a thorough understanding of the existing ecosystem allows for a smoother transformation process. By aligning ReMuNet with existing structures and processes, changes become more accessible and comprehensible to all involved stakeholders, thus enhancing acceptance and effectiveness within the multimodal transport network. This approach also supports the platform’s long-term sustainability, making it a practical and widely acceptable solution for the European multimodal transport network.

Collaboration is vital for the transition to a circular economy. However, existing ecosystem design approaches lack essential elements required for circularity. Our four-stage Circular Ecosystem Development Framework addresses these gaps, exemplified by the plastic packaging sector. It fosters sustainable, collaborative, and transformative circular ecosystems across diverse industries, incorporating governance and user-level transformation.