Technology and Innovation in Land Transport

The importance of technology in the transport sector was overviewed, covering the conceptual framework of the transport system and the related key technological inventions and digital drivers of change.

In this section, the role of emerging digital technologies and solutions in developing the land transport sector were addressed, covering the Internet of things, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

This part covered the status of digital technologies and innovation in the transport sector in the Arab region; and it highlighted the socioeconomic and environmental benefits.  The use of technology and innovation can enhance the sector's management, efficiency and safety, and reduce its carbon footprint and fuel consumption.

The key messages resulting from a recent ESCWA report were presented, covering eight areas: regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, open data, innovation and entrepreneurship, fuel consumption, privacy and security, ubiquitous connectivity, and standardization and interoperability.

The feedback included proposals for ESCWA to continue its work in this areas and to assess the use of technology in road transport in several Arab countries, as well as identify the priorities for each country or a similar group of Arab countries.  The assessment should show the use of technology in the transport sector amongst Arab countries, especially in the transportation of goods, and to provide recommendations for its development due to its importance for trade exchanges.