SMiLES

Goal

The overarching goal of this project is to establish a Living Lab to study open sharing networks and to develop innovative business and organisation models for open sharing networks to enable efficient, effective and emission-free transport.

Facts

Description

This project focuses on improving logistics processes through open-sharing networks based on the architecture of the ‘Physical Internet’. In these systems, stakeholders can share tasks (transport orders), resources (vehicles, personnel, 3D printers), information (data, algorithms), space (infrastructure, buildings) and responsibilities (contracts, risks, rights, liabilities). Open-sharing networks can increase the efficiency of mobility and thus reduce transport emissions and, for example, also make it possible to share risks between companies to set up renewable energy production facilities.

SMiLES is a “living lab” for which the Northern region is used as a test center for the opportunities of logistics subsystems. Researchers from the University of Groningen, together with some of the most important public and private partners from the region, are looking at the economic, technical, legal, ethical and psychological opportunities and barriers of various logistics subsystems. The living lab is a place where science, practice and education come together to work together for a sustainable future.

Our role

New Energy Coalition contributes to this project financially and in-kind, by connecting our network to this project and bringing knowledge and experience about the energy-related possibilities for the use of open-sharing networks in valorisation panels and discussion tables.

Partners

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Qbuzz Openbaar Vervoer, Koopman Logistics Group, Arriva Passenger Transport Nederland, Bidfood, Wagenborg, Suikerunie, KPN, Natuur & Milieu, Provincie Groningen, Gemeente Groningen, Groningen Bereikbaar, Haven van Lauwersoog, Horus Bekijken en verkennen BV, Stichting New Energy Coalition, New Generation Shipyards, OV bureau Groningen Drenthe, Vinturas, 5Groningen, Hanzehogeschool & Noorderpoort.

Contact details