Workshop Objectives

The session aimed to examine how emerging digital technologies — including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain — can optimise multimodal logistics operations and improve sustainability, resilience, and data-driven decision-making across transport modes.
It also sought to identify challenges and opportunities related to standardization, data interoperability, and collaboration frameworks essential for achieving seamless multimodal operations in Europe.

Workshop Highlights

The event was structured around a combination of keynote presentations, scientific papers, and an expert panel discussion, featuring contributions from leading research institutions, logistics companies, and technology providers involved in FOR-FREIGHT and beyond.

Key topics addressed included:

• Standardisation and interoperability in multimodal freight transport

• Business model development and policy support for AI-enabled decision systems

• Digital transformation and its economic, environmental, and social impacts

• Stakeholder engagement and R&I strategies for ecosystem-based innovation

Paper Presentations

A total of eight peer-reviewed scientific papers associated with the FOR-FREIGHT project were presented, covering diverse aspects of digital logistics and multimodal innovation:

1. Enhancing Multimodal Logistics through Workflow Integration and Sustainability-Focused Optimisation (Case Study: Greece)

2. Digital Solutions for Efficient and Sustainable Multimodal Freight Transport on the Danube (Case Study: Romania)

3. AI-Enhanced Multimodal Logistics: Innovative Solutions for Seamless Freight Operations (Case Study: Spain)

4. Understanding the Benefits of Supply Chain Digital Transformation: A Multi-Step Framework for Operational Evaluation

5. Advancing Digital Standardisation in Multimodal Logistics: Insights from the FOR-FREIGHT Project

6. Understanding Vertical and Horizontal Logistics Collaboration: A Review of Barriers and Drivers for Digital Logistics Marketplace Success

7. Towards Sustainable Transport and Logistics: Leveraging R&I and Stakeholder Engagement for Impact

8. Innovation Maturity Framework: A Multi-Dimensional Approach for Assessing Readiness in Logistics Solutions

Panel Discussion

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from:
@CERTH, @WINGS ICT Solutions, @Fundacion Valenciaport, @BEIA Consult, @TIC 4.0, and Galati Port.

Panelists shared their perspectives on:

• The role of digitalisation in reshaping collaboration among transport modes and stakeholders

• Key interoperability challenges encountered during implementation and how FOR-FREIGHT addressed them

• Lessons learned from introducing digital solutions in ports with lower digital readiness

• The impact of AI on decision-making and operational efficiency in multimodal logistics

• Effective engagement of industry stakeholders to ensure market uptake after project completion

Impact and Next Steps

The workshop successfully fostered dialogue between research and industry, highlighting the critical role of interoperability, data sharing, and standardisation in enabling the digital transition of multimodal freight systems.

The insights gained will contribute to a forthcoming white paper, summarising key findings, challenges, and recommendations from the session. This publication will serve as a reference for policymakers, researchers, and industry actors working toward a more integrated and sustainable logistics landscape in Europe.

The FOR-FREIGHT workshop demonstrated the project’s continued commitment to supporting the EU Green Deal and Digital Transport initiatives, paving the way for efficient, data-driven, and environmentally responsible freight transport solutions.