ACUTE D1.1 and D1.4.1 Final showcase of regional, national, European and international projects, ideas, initiatives on the topic of accessibility and connectivity – the ENUAC projects

This report presents an in-depth analysis of 15 projects funded by the ERA-NET Urban Accessibility and Connectivity (ENUAC) initiative, undertaken by the ACUTE Knowledge Hub. The ACUTE project focuses on improving urban accessibility and connectivity across Europe. By drawing on data collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews, the report examines the goals, strategies, challenges, and impacts of these projects, which address a variety of urban mobility issues such as sustainability, inclusivity, and the application of innovative technologies to reshape urban spaces.
The primary objectives of the projects analysed centre around creating sustainable, efficient, and inclusive mobility systems in cities. The projects aim to reduce carbon emissions, improve the integration of various transport modes like walking, biking, and public transit, repurpose underused urban spaces, and enhance accessibility for vulnerable groups. By addressing these pressing urban challenges, the projects contribute to a broader goal of achieving equitable and environmentally sustainable cities.
The findings of this report highlight that in terms of implementation and real-life impact, many projects have utilised pilot programs and testbeds in cities across Europe. These initiatives include establishing "living labs" where mobility solutions are tested in real-world environments. The projects have also led to the development of tools ranging from mobility data analysis software to serious games for community engagement and policy guidelines to promote inclusive urban planning. However, the report also highlights several challenges, such as aligning project timelines with stakeholder needs and ensuring that project tools and solutions are sustainable beyond the project lifecycle.
The findings of the report also focus on collaboration among multiple stakeholders—such as city governments, private sector entities, and community organizations— which has been crucial to the success of many projects. These partnerships have facilitated the implementation of interventions and allowed for insights from various actors to shape project outcomes. However, the report also identifies a gap in formal platforms for knowledge sharing between different projects, suggesting that better mechanisms are needed to facilitate cross-project collaboration.
Finally, the report identifies several key areas for further research, including scaling successful innovations to different urban contexts, integrating digital tools with public participation, and improving the long-term sustainability of experimental approaches like living labs. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of studying how socio-technical transitions in urban mobility can influence public policy and promote lasting behavioural change.
In conclusion, the ACUTE Knowledge Hub’s analysis demonstrates that the ENUAC projects have made significant progress in advancing sustainable and inclusive mobility across Europe. Although challenge remain, particularly in ensuring the longevity of project outcomes and fostering greater collaboration, the innovative approaches and strong stakeholder involvement seen in these projects lay a solid foundation for future urban transformation efforts. The report recommends increased support for capacity building, enhanced collaboration across projects, and continued funding to ensure that the projects achieve long-term impact.