The aim of the conference is twofold: (1) to find solutions to the overarching question of how transport could be more resource efficient and have less negative impact on the environment; and (2) to answer the question of the role of transport, and in particular carriage of goods, in the transformation to a circular economy.
The current transformation to a circular economy focuses upon the life cycle of products, including aspects like production, design, materials and waste of goods, leaving the negative impact of transport aside.
However, in order to make efficient decisions, politicians, stakeholders and, in particular, the actors in the supply chain should be informed about the role transport plays in the international supply chain and also in the transformation to a circular economy. Research on the role of transport in the transformation to a circular economy is thus needed.
The overarching goal is to develop a resource efficient transport system that respects the environment. For this, we need technical solutions, such as cleaner and quieter means of transport. This is, however, not the only relevant approach, we also need a behavioural change in the transport industry. Tools are therefore required to promote a shift in the decision-making process that will enable the logistics service providers to choose environmentally friendly transport solutions, particularly as regards modes of transport (or a combination of these), routes of transport as well as, for example, the avoidance of half empty or empty loads. The key word for enabling the logistics service providers to make the right choices is information.
The call for papers invites contributions addressing questions related to the conference topic: Sustainable and Efficient Transport Systems: The Role of Transport in the transformation to a Sustainable Circular Economy.