The transformation of mobility in Europe: Technological change and social conditionings

Abstract

The mobility of persons is changing due to technological innovation linked to autonomous and electric vehicles or to connectivity and data communication technologies. Furthermore, it is being conditioned by social behaviours. Qualitative research based on in-depth interviews with experts in mobility from three European countries is used to analyse the main trends that characterize the current transformation of mobility. Results show that the transformation towards the new autonomous, connected, shared and electric mobility is not only driven by technological development, but mainly by social conditionings such as environmental values, behavioural change or adaptability to users’ habits, and socio-demographic features of citizens to adopt servitization. These changes involve different impacts depending on the segment or niche of population, especially in terms of different age groups. The main conclusion of the research is that the new mobility can be considered a social challenge rather than a technological one.