“Mobility today and tomorrow – How railways, car manufacturers and others are redefining sustainability for themselves”

The Travel Industry Club invited to a networking event with keynote speech and subsequent panel discussion on this topic on 12 November 2019 at the Platzl Hotel in Munich.

After a personal welcome by Vice President Tobias Klöpf, the evening started with an inspiring keynote by Prof. Dr. Peter Wippermann on the topic “Next Level Mobility – Structural Change of the Transport System”.

Prof. Dr. Wippermann described and discussed four theses:

“Individuality reaches the world of work and increases the desire for mobility.”

“Time becomes the new measure of all decisions.”

“Climate change demands opportunities for sustainable forms of mobility.”

“Connected Digital Ecosystems, Green Mobility and Shared Autonomous Mobility will shape the transportation system of tomorrow.”

From the discussion of these theses, he concluded that “the social added value of mobility products and services is at the heart of innovation. In his closing words, “He who shares wins.” he finished the keynote address.

Inspired by Wippermann’s pioneering words, the mobility of the future was discussed under the three aspects of sustainability. The podium, which was moderated by Dr. Markus Heller, included the keynote speaker and the following interesting speakers: Arne Schönfeld (Head of Marketing & Sales, BOSCH Service Solutions), Balthasar Scheder (Regional Manager Southern Germany, TIER Mobility), Henning Radermacher (Senior Manager, Accenture) and Björn Bender (Head of New Mobility Services, SBB).

Ecological sustainability demands the preservation of nature and the environment for future generations

The discussion began with the statement that what is ecologically right must not be economically and socially wrong at the same time. It was emphasized to think not only in the direction of electromobility, but to take a broader position and not to close off alternatives like fuel, diesel or nuclear power from the outset. Others argued that obsolete drive systems should not be “renewed”, but that new technologies created through innovation should be further developed.

Economic sustainability means a mode of economy that can be operated on a long-term basis

It was also discussed how mobility can be offered in an economically attractive way in structurally weak or sparsely populated regions. In this respect it was said that Swiss tenders, for example, are designed in such a way that the person who wins the contract in economically attractive areas is also obliged to include rural regions and that this model could also work in Germany. In this way, the “big players” would not only pick up the high-turnover metropolises, but would also be able to “co-finance” the lower-turnover areas through the high profits.

Social sustainability means achieving a sustainable, globally fair and liveable society

The question also arose as to whether the modernisation of mobility offers would not lead to an increase in the volume of mobility as a result of the increase in attractiveness. The general consensus was that technological progress would tend to create more offers that were in demand by consumers. Possible savings per trip would be offset by a faster increase in mobility demand. Since progress strongly stimulates mobility, the only way to counteract the negative consequences in terms of sustainability would be to consciously reduce personal mobility. Even though the direction of effect of such a change was controversial in the round of speakers, it was quickly agreed that a curtailment of individual mobility would not easily be approved by consumers, as it is seen as personal freedom and tends to be emotionally defended.

The evening was rounded off with a delicious dinner, where the topics discussed earlier were exchanged in a relaxed atmosphere.

We would like to thank Hannah Beck once again for the invitation and the fabulous organization, and are pleased that Dr. Fried & Partner was once again able to contribute to such an exciting evening through its professional moderation. We are looking forward to seeing which path mobility will take in the future.