Connectivity is a 21st century mega-trend that is reshaping the world far beyond the transport sector. Integrating transport planning with other policy areas is challenging. Yet transport is becoming more and more interdependent with electricity infrastructure as it decarbonises. The rise of connected vehicles and infrastructure increasingly intertwine it with telecommunications. And an integrated approach for transport, housing and commercial development is becoming critical to reduce congestion, improve access and foster sustainability. With regard to funding transport infrastructure, road transport in particular has much to learn from the energy and telecommunications sectors, which have advanced much further in managing demand by charging users.
Key facts:
- The World Economic Forum estimates the worldwide investment in infrastructure is expected to be $79 trillion by 2040, but the actual global investment need is closer to $97 trillion. Average annual global infrastructure investment would need to increase by approximately 23% per year to close the financial shortfall.
Lead questions:
- How quickly will electrification of transport progress and what infrastructure investment is needed? How is hydrogen offering new opportunities for electric mobility?
- How are emerging information and telecommunication technologies revolutionising global connectivity? How can policy makers respond to related challenges to establish supportive policy and governance frameworks?
- How can policy makers and industry work together to improve global connectivity and ensure it benefits all parts of society
- What lessons from more integrated transport, energy, and telecommunications networks are emerging from national experience?
Background reading:
- Strategic infrastructure planning: International best practice (ITF 2017) [https://www.itf-oecd.org/strategic-infrastructure-planning]
