This year, the Transport Community of Avertim has been focused on developing 5 studies on the transportation sub-sectors. These have provided significant insights into the industry's current trends, challenges, and innovations. We have explored several key areas, such as the impact of digital transformation, the shift towards sustainability, and the evolving needs of final users.
A total of 20 Avertimers have been working on the following topics and have taken the time to summarize them for the readers:
#1- Future of the belgian public transport
Belgium’s public transport sector is at a pivotal moment, shaped by digital transformation, sustainability goals, and evolving passenger needs.
Consequently, the use of tools such as real-time tracking and predictive maintenance is enhancing efficiency and security, with digital ticketing expected to cover 80% of transactions by 2025. In parallel, efforts to integrate various transport modes into one platform aim to create a seamless travel experience, addressing challenges related to data, regulation, and funding. Moreover, reducing emissions is a priority, with a goal of cutting CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030 through investments in low-emission technologies and fuel efficiency. Simultaneously, improving passenger satisfaction remains central, with a focus on personalized services, real-time updates, and mobile ticketing, aligning with the growing demand for digital convenience. Furthermore, strong governance frameworks will help operators meet sustainability targets and comply with evolving regulatory standards.
As a result, this approach ensures that Belgium’s public transport sector is well-positioned to thrive in a sustainable, competitive future.

#2- Evolution of the European Rail Network
Our study outlines the evolution of the European railway network, focusing on key themes such as market liberalization, decarbonization, and sustainability. It highlights the challenges and opportunities arising from these changes, emphasizing the need for a multimodal approach to integrate rail with other transport modes effectively.
An important aspect of our document includes the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), a European regulation, that aims to enhance connectivity and set ambitious targets for speed, safety and environmental impact. We also discuss topics like decarbonization strategies, which include increasing electrification and exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen. As it is paramount to sustainable transit, the goal is to achieve a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. In addition to this, market liberalization, driven by the Fourth Railway Package (EU), is also analyses as it encourages competition among operators while requiring significant infrastructure adaptations. We also address the importance of maintaining high service quality, competitive pricing to attract passengers and the impact of COVID-19 on passenger transport.
Our study overall advocates for innovation in technologies and operational strategies to redefine the railway sector's role in supporting sustainable transportation across Europe.

#3- Urban Evolution with the shift towards electric vehicles
Our analysis addresses the urban shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and its implications for the energy sector. It highlights the growing electricity demand driven by EV adoption, its subsequent grid development and the implementation of smart grid technologies. We also emphasize the need for high-voltage transmission lines to connect renewable energy sources in rural areas to urban centers and the challenges of building this infrastructure, including financial and regulatory hurdles, particularly in Belgium.
We also emphasize the need for high-voltage transmission lines to connect renewable energy sources in rural areas to urban centers and the challenges of building this infrastructure, including financial and regulatory hurdles, particularly in Belgium.
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is also introduced, aiming to standardize charging infrastructure across the EU and set targets for charging stations by 2025 and 2030. In Brussels, plans are in place to establish 22.000 charging stations by 2035, with a phased deployment strategy.
We also cover the importance of standardizing pricing models for EV charging to enhance transparency and accessibility. In fact, by 2030, Belgium will need 200.000 publicly accessible charging points, highlighting the urgency for infrastructure expansion.
Finally, we point out that the rise of EVs is driving demand for clean energy sources, leading to increased investment in renewable energy projects.

#4- New technologies for more efficiency in logistics
Our investigation explores the strategies and challenges for successfully integrating new technologies into modern supply chains, focusing on their potential for enhanced agility, visibility, resilience, and sustainability.
We emphasize the importance of aligning digital initiatives with business objectives to avoid costly failures. Effective data management, covering integration, accuracy, scalability, and privacy, is essential for real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Our analysis highlights profitability considerations, detailing how companies must balance the high costs of technology implementation with anticipated efficiency gains.
Effective cost-benefit analysis, supported by key performance indicators (KPIs), enables companies to measure improvements over time, optimize operations, and enhance profitability.
Furthermore, navigating regulatory demands is essential; compliance with data protection, privacy, and cross-border laws requires strategic foresight, especially as supply chains expand globally.
We also highlight the organizational shifts needed, from overcoming resistance to upskilling, to ensure technology adoption is successful.
Our research concludes that companies must take a strategic, data-driven approach to digital transformation, aligning technology with business goals and managing change proactively. This can drive efficiency, resilience, and lasting competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry

#5- Demand for real-time data by consumers
Our document analyses how the increasing availability and usage of real-time data in transport and logistics is revolutionizing the industry by enabling more efficient and accurate operations. This approach relies on continuous data collection from various sources, such as IoT devices, sensors, GPS systems, and supply chain inputs. By analyzing this data in real-time, companies can improve decision-making, optimize routes, reduce operational costs, and provide a higher level of service to customers.
However, the adoption of such systems is accompanied by challenges. Data integrity and security are of utmost concern, as sensitive information needs to be protected from breaches or misuse. Privacy concerns also play a crucial role in how data is gathered and processed. Effective strategies must be put in place to integrate real-time data into existing systems without disrupting operations.
Furthermore, making data actionable is essential; this involves the use of intuitive dashboards, analytics platforms, and user-friendly interfaces to provide meaningful insights. For many businesses, achieving a coherent data strategy is key to unlocking the full potential of real-time information. The strategy must encompass data governance, integration, and long-term planning to align with the organization's goals.
By focusing on the efficient flow of data, these solutions can ultimately boost operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, laying the groundwork for smarter, more resilient logistics networks. As the industry continues to evolve, leveraging real-time data will be crucial in overcoming current challenges and embracing future trends.

These studies provide a foundation for understanding the sector's future, the steps required to support its challenges and how Avertim can accompany overcoming them.