REFINET: A new era for the sustainable development of Transport infrastructures networks in Europe

Abstract

The main objective or the REFINET Coordination and Support Action has been about identifying research and innovation needs and supporting the mass-market deployment of existing innovative technologies, such as materials, components, systems and processes to support the modernisation of the European Transport Infrastructure using a multimodal approach to support investment decisions. To achieve its objectives, REFINET has in particular developed solutions enabling infrastructures decision-makers (e.g. Public Bodies, Ministries, the European Commission, Infrastructure Managers and Operators, etc.) to carry out an integrated evaluation, selection of projects and programs and monitoring them. This paper introduces to the main outcomes of REFINET, in particular the REFINET multi-modal transport infrastructure model, vision and Strategic Implementation Plan for research and innovation priorities. The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support of the European Commission under the H2020 programme, and are grateful to the REFINET Consortium partners, namely Fundación TECNALIA, D'Appolonia S.p.A., FEHRL, UIC, Fundación Plataforma Tecnológica Española de Construccion, DRAGADOS SA, CSTB and Ove Arup & Partners International Limited.