LEAD
LEAD is an EU-funded project under the CIVITAS Initiative that will create Digital Twins of urban logistics networks in six cities, to support experimentation and decision making with on-demand logistics operations in a public-private urban setting.
The rise of on-demand logistics is putting serious strain on last-mile delivery systems. Consumers require responsive logistics systems that deliver customised products at low or even zero cost. The industry now promises instant (within the hour) delivery and personalised product manufacturing. The last-mile
delivery market is developing fast through both large and small-scale consumer platforms, however economic incentives to create sustainable systems are weak.
Running from June 2020 until May 2023, LEAD will create Digital Twins of urban logistics networks in six cities. Innovative solutions for city logistics will be represented by a set of value case scenarios, which address the requirements of the on-demand economy while aligning competing interests and creating value for all different stakeholders.
Evidence-proven value cases and associated logistics solutions will be delivered in the form of exploitable Digital Twins (TRL-7), incorporating the models that support adaptation to different contexts and that provide incentives for PPPs. The long-term vision of LEAD is to design an Open PI-inspired framework for Smart City Logistics that incorporates the Digital Twins created in the project, thus setting the foundations for the development of large-scale city Digital Twins. Several Living Labs will be established in LEAD, including Madrid, The Hague, Budapest, Lyon, Oslo and Porto.
Discover some of the project's key outputs below!
- LEAD report (2020): The report “City Logistics Landscape in the Era of the On-Demand Economy: Main Challenges, Trends and Factors Influencing City Logistics” presents an in-depth analysis of the strategic, regulatory, business, technological and environmental factors shaping complex urban logistics systems in the on-demand economy. It explores how rapid changes in consumer expectations and delivery models are transforming city logistics and influencing related policies. Read it here!
- LEAD Quick Facts Brochure (2021): Focusing on on-demand last-mile logistics, this document draws on information from a range of relevant academic sources (as referenced throughout the brochure) as well as from project activities. In particular, it builds on insights from Deliverable 1.1: City Logistics Landscape in the Era of the On-Demand Economy – Main Challenges, Trends and Factors Influencing City Logistics. You can access it here.
- LEAD Policy Recommendations (2023): Titled “Digital Twins for Last-Mile Low-Emission Logistics”, this brief is aimed at European Commission services and EU policy-makers, as well as transport and logistics experts working within cities, regions and local authorities. It is also intended for network organisations representing local authorities, transport operators, and IT managers. You can read it here.
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