ICTs as a mighty resource for cutting edge cities: case study - Genoa and its port

摘要

Information and Communication Technologies are increasingly enhancing day-to-day operations and long-time programmes within the whole transportation sector. Furthermore, they allow for different modes of transport to be integrated in a more efficient way; not just among themselves, but at the same time with surrounding environments like cities, urban areas or more extended regions involved in transportation supply chains. In February 2011 Genoa Port Authority, as a leading partner, began activities to create the ICT platform named MoS 24 (Motorways of the Sea 24). The main goal of the project is to create a unique information system connecting autonomous programmes, developed by different modes' transport operators, already operating along the multimodal Corridor 24 between Genoa (Italy) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands). The city of Genoa, one of the main ports in the Mediterranean area, is directly involved with the project's development as a gateway for goods from the global market heading to the North European area and vice versa. The core aim of this paper is to analyze how the city may improve its connectivity with the European transport network and obtain advantages from the smart use of trans-European ICT platforms. Roles and ideas of the eleven players (both public and private) taking part in the operations will be considered as well. A deeper analysis will be shown through data and opinions collected during face-to-face interviews with partners' delegates.