PARTICIPATORY TECHNOLOGY GAP ASSESSMENT FOR SMART MOBILITY: EVIDENCE FROM SIX PILOT TERRITORIES

Authors:

University of Belgrade-Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia; Innovation Center of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
University of Belgrade-Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia; Innovation Center of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
Barbara MONACO
Area Science Park, Trieste, Italy
Silvia ZAMPESE
Area Science Park, Trieste, Italy
Katerina NIKOLOPOULOU
CIVINET Greece-Cyprus, Athens, Greece
Hara LIAKOU
CIVINET Greece-Cyprus, Athens, Greece

Abstract: The deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is central to advancing smart and sustainable mobility, yet many cities still struggle to align technological readiness with planning capacity and societal needs. This paper presents a participatory methodology for technology gap assessment applied in six pilot territories in the Adriatic–Ionian region. Using a Gap Analysis Tool across five domains—technical readiness, interoperability, scalability, sustainability impact, and user acceptance—the assessment, conducted with local Stakeholder Working Groups, identifies strengths in data-driven services and real-time passenger information, while revealing gaps in advanced traffic management, integrated fare systems, and user engagement. The findings show how participatory approaches help cities better understand readiness conditions and support evidence-based mobility transitions. Building on this socio-technical foundation, the paper also outlines the next research stage: a forward-looking exercise developing technology roadmaps and participatory pathways that translate identified gaps into scalable trajectories for next-generation ITS deployment.

Keywords: Participatory assessment, Smart mobility, Intelligent Transport Systems, Key enabling technologies, Stakeholder engagement, Adriatic–Ionian region

Pages: 5-12

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