The WE-TRANSFORM project hosted a focus group meeting at the project partner, ERTICO ITS Europe, Office in Brussels. This meeting, held on December 4, 2023 brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to shape an action-oriented policy agenda focused on the automation transition and workforce transformation in the transport sector.

During the event diverse ideas and perspectives where collected, featuring policy officers, public affairs managers from the automotive sector, representatives from the truck driving industry, delegates from regional and local public transport operators through POLIS Network, and influential figures from the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee, the European Commission, and the Belgian Federal Government, which will host the upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The focus group delved into critical challenges and opportunities arising from automation in the transport sector. Discussions were tailored around two main sub-topics:

1. Impact of Automation on Employment:

   • Analysis of how emerging technologies like self-driving vehicles are reshaping the employment landscape in transport.
   • Consideration of the dual nature of automation - as a potential source of job displacement and a creator of new opportunities.
   • Discussion on the role of governance and regulation in managing these transitions.

2. Training and Reskilling Initiatives:

   • Identification of essential future skills for transport workers amidst growing digitalization and automation.
   • Exploration of current and future training programs designed to equip workers with these skills.

The event marked significant progress in the WE-TRANSFORM project, serving as a platform for dialogues. The discussions not only highlighted the current state of affairs but also paved the way for future collaborative efforts. The insights gained are crucial in developing a comprehensive and inclusive policy framework that addresses the impacts of automation on the transport sector's workforce.

As WE-TRANSFORM enters its last phase, the focus group's outcomes will be integral in guiding the project’s direction. Emphasizing stakeholder engagement and collaborative policy-making, the project aims to navigate the new dimensions of automation, ensuring a beneficial transition for all involved in the transport sector.

The WE-TRANSFORM focus group meeting represents an effort towards a unified and forward-thinking approach to automation in the transport sector. By bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders and fostering open dialogue, the event has set the stage for informed policy-making that merges technological advancement with the needs and aspirations of the transport workforce.