Wrapping up the term with a future focus
Today we wrapped up the final SAFER Research Day of the term – and what a day it was! The spotlight was on how we can generate even greater impact with Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) – and how the SAFER platform can continue to act as a catalyst for collaboration, knowledge and real societal benefit.
Ingrid Skogsmo opened the day with an inspiring keynote on Europe’s strategy for automated mobility. With €95.5 billion available through Horizon Europe, the key themes are green transition, sustainability, and digitalisation. The final work programmes for 2025–2027 are now being shaped – and this is a unique opportunity to influence the direction. Everyone is encouraged to provide feedback on the calls – it really makes a difference!
Clear messages from EUCAD and keynote speakers:
“We are in a time of change – and we must embrace it.”
“We need to let people experience innovation on our streets.”
“We need speed – we must move faster.”
“We need a shared goal with clear steps to reach deployment.”
One of SAFER’s strengths: we already have tools and focus areas in place to build public trust and societal pull for these technologies. The next big leap? Large Scale Demonstrations – the new EU mantra. Picture one single consortium with €100 million in support. Strategic thinking, measurable impact, and scalability will be key!
Anna Larsson from RISE highlighted Sweden’s role in the European landscape: collaboration is everything – and we’re already ahead thanks to strong Nordic dialogue and shared values. We’re not trying to copy other countries – we’re designing solutions that work here.
We also discussed the vision for the Northern Corridor – a concrete route for automated public transport and logistics from Rotterdam to Oslo, with Gothenburg as a strong hub.
Projects like FAME, SUNRISE, and SYNERGIES demonstrated how European frameworks for testing, data sharing and safety assurance are taking shape – with strong contributions from SAFER partners Chalmers, RISE, and Volvo Group.
The takeaway? We’re on the brink of a major shift in mobility. Behavioural change, trust, collaboration and large-scale real-world testing will be key. SAFER is well positioned to make a difference!
Big thanks to everyone who joined and contributed with energy, insights and forward-thinking. Now we head into summer (well, sort of), but planning for the autumn is already in full swing!
