Issue Mobility innovation and the evolution of cities

Summary

Historically, advances in mobility from ships to wheels have reshaped cities, and the accelerating commercialisation of autonomous vehicles and urban air mobility is expected to do so again. Autonomous cars, shared mobility and air taxis are redefining movement and changing urban space and lifestyles, and the survey argues their scope must expand from vehicles to transport, logistics, infrastructure and services. Cities are experimenting with layered use of underground logistics, ground-level walking and transit, and airspace to use land efficiently and stimulate the economy. Greater mobility could spread population outward and help depopulating regions through links with autonomous driving and air mobility, yet the clustering of advanced industry may deepen concentration in the capital region. Urbanisation, congestion, pollution and ageing are raising demand for innovation, and ICT progress and the sharing economy have fostered new models such as mobility as a service.