Current social megatrends such as climate change and digitization require and promote a fundamental change in the way we move around. At present, however, it remains controversially debated as to how the mobility system of the future should be designed and what measures are needed at the individual, economic and political levels to meet the social challenges. While some social actors emphasize the potential of battery-powered and digitally networked electric vehicles and aircraft for sustainable mobility, others question the sustainability of electromobility, warn that a rapid departure from internal combustion engines could cost a large number of jobs in key German industries, and point to problems with data protection and data security when using digital technologies. Still others are calling for more far-reaching changes in the mobility system, such as a massive expansion of public transportation, making flights more expensive or radically changing urban planning. Debates such as those on speed limits, driving bans, train delays or flight shame show that discourses on mobility are often conducted emotionally and threaten to escalate quickly because they directly affect the personal interests of a large number of different social stakeholders.

The aim of this project, which is funded by the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (MWK), is therefore to create a platform for public discourse on the topic of "mobility of the future" that will enable various stakeholders to contribute their views in a structured way and to discuss alternative solution concepts. Specifically, three discussion events are planned, so-called Future Platforms, which are dedicated to the future of mobility with a focus on climate change and digitization. All in all, the project should contribute to moderating the social discourse on the future of mobility and help to find scientifically sound opinions and solutions. The discussion is based on various research projects on sustainability and digitization in the mobility sector, which are currently being carried out at the Chair of Management.

The first Future Platform "Mobility in times of climate change" took place on November 3, 2020. More details on the event can be found here.

The second Future Platform "Mobility in times of digitalization" will took place on May 4, 2021. More details on the  event can be found here.

The third Future Platform "Mobility in Times of Climate Change and Digitalization" will take place on November 8, 2021. More details on the event can be found here.

Based on the events, we provide an impulse paper for all those interested, which summarizes the findings from the project made to the present day.