The Senator Project, a pioneering initiative funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program, has officially come to an end. Launched in 2020, Senator has worked towards advancing sustainable and technology-driven logistics solutions, tackling the challenges of the on-demand economy while promoting connected, low-emission urban logistics systems. The project’s final event, “Building the Foundations of Smarter Logistics” , served as a platform to showcase key findings, tested solutions, and practical recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The need for smarter logistics
With urban, metropolitan, and peri-urban logistics demands rising, Senator has played a critical role in balancing the needs of private logistics providers and public policymakers. The project has contributed significantly to the development of Sustainable Urban Logistics Plans (SULPs) and Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) by integrating data-driven solutions, big data analytics, and real-time traffic management. These efforts align with the European Union’s broader goals of achieving emission-free urban logistics by 2030.
Key highlights from the Final Event
The final event marked the culmination of four and a half years of research, innovation, and collaboration. It featured discussions on the Senator ICT Platform, pilot program results, and policy recommendations to foster efficient, collaborative, and emission-free logistics ecosystems.
Key topics covered:
- Senator ICT Platform: The development and impact of a data-driven decision-making system for urban logistics optimization.
- Urban Living Labs: Insights from pilot projects in Dublin and Zaragoza, including lessons learned and scalability potential.
- Policy and Industry Recommendations: Guidance for stakeholders to advance sustainable urban logistics solutions.
The event featured prominent speakers from leading organizations involved in the project:
- Ángela Núñez (Correos) – Opening & Closing remarks, Senator Project overview.
- Antonio Masegosa (University of Deusto) & Miguel Fernández (DOTGIS) – Presentation on the Senator Control Tower & App.
- Payal Pandya (Dublin City Council, representing Philip Colgan from An Post) – Case study on Dublin’s Urban Living Lab.
- Laura Pernías (Correos) & Carlos López (Zaragoza City Council) – Insights from Zaragoza’s Urban Living Lab.
- Nahikari Diosdado & Silvia Agrafojo (Zabala Innovation) – Stakeholder engagement strategies & best practices.
- Chris Rowland (MDS Transmodal) – Discussion on future steps & industry impact.
Looking ahead
The insights and solutions developed through the Senator Project provide a blueprint for the future of sustainable urban logistics. By leveraging digital tools, real-time data, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, cities can work towards smarter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly delivery systems.
As we conclude this transformative project, we extend our gratitude to all partners, stakeholders, and researchers who contributed to its success. The journey towards smarter urban logistics continues, and the foundation laid by Senator will undoubtedly influence future innovations in the field.
